Capcom has announced that its Resident Evil games on iOS will now require a persistent internet connection to launch. This controversial decision has raised eyebrows among players, who are questioning the necessity of such a requirement for single-player titles.

The Unexpected Patch We Never Anticipated

Capcom recently released a patch for Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, and Resident Evil Village on iOS devices. While patches are typically seen as updates that improve gameplay or fix bugs, this particular patch introduced a significant change: a mandatory internet connection, as per KitGuru.

"Due to changes to the startup process, an internet connection is now required when starting this app," Capcom said regarding the new change.

Of course, this would definitely hit a nerve among players, especially for offline gamers who prefer to enjoy the game offline. With the requirement of having a stable connection, things become more different than before.

It remains to be seen how some fans will react to this change. Many players may find the requirement inconvenient or even unacceptable, especially for single-player games. There will likely be a backlash against Capcom's decision, particularly if it negatively impacts the gaming experience.

The Implications of Online DRM

The requirement for an internet connection is a form of digital rights management (DRM). While not unprecedented, it is unusual for single-player mobile games to enforce such a restriction. This move raises concerns about data collection and the potential for privacy implications.

Speaking of DRM, Denuvo, the company behind this technology, was tapped to take down pirated copies of games playable on Nintendo Switch emulators. While it was well-received by some gamers, others seemed to dislike its anti-piracy initiative.

Some players thought that the bad reputation of DRM would only linger in the community. Instead of bringing what's best for them, the technology only slowed down their games on PC. Other reported issues include unexpected game shutdowns and glitches.

iOS Version of Resident Evil Titles Not Seeing Commercial Success

The Resident Evil games ported to iOS have not achieved the same commercial success as their console counterparts. With relatively low sales figures, it's possible that Capcom is seeking ways to recoup costs. The mandatory internet connection could be a strategy to gather additional data or potentially implement microtransactions in the future.

Capcom's decision to enforce an internet connection for its Resident Evil games on iOS is a surprising and controversial move. While the reasons behind this decision may be complex, it raises concerns about privacy, convenience, and the future of mobile gaming.

As of July 2024, under 2,000 customers paid for Resident Evil 7 on iOS, according to Appmagic estimates.