Resident Evil iOS ports have undergone an update that left fans fuming. Read on to learn why the new internet requirement is causing such an uproar.
Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village on iOS Now Need Internet Connection at Startup
Questionable Decisions Upon Questionable Decisions
It seems the nightmares in the latest Resident Evil mobile ports aren’t limited to the games themselves. Players are up in arms after a recent update from Capcom made an internet connection mandatory to launch Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village on iOS devices.
Previously, these titles boasted the convenience of offline play, perfect for commutes or long lines. However, aside from "minor bug fixes," the update notes state, "Due to changes to the startup process, an internet connection is now required when starting this app," and nothing more. This lack of explanation has left players in the dark and frustrated.
Many feel that this online requirement defeats the purpose of having these games on a portable platform. Offline play was a key selling point, especially for travelers or those without consistent internet access. Although many mobile games require the internet to function, the concerns lie with Resident Evil games being single-player titles that should not have needed online connectivity. Some speculate it’s a form of Digital Rights Management or DRM to prevent piracy, while others suspect it’s for data harvesting purposes. Regardless of the reason, the silence from Capcom is deafening.
A splash of online backlash followed, with players expressing frustration and asking others to not update the game so as to not be subjected to the new requirement. Some even explored avenues for refunds, highlighting the perceived unfairness of the change.
The internet requirement for Resident Evil iOS ports isn’t just a slap in the face to offline players; it also raises questions about the overall strategy behind these titles. Estimates from mobile app market intelligence service Appmagic, according to Mobilegamer.biz, show under 2,000 players paid to play Resident Evil 7 on iOS. This trend appears consistent across the franchise’s mobile offerings.
Several factors could explain these low sales. The high price point compared to free-to-play mobile games might be a deterrent. While limited parts of the games can be played for free, you would have to cough up a not-so-insignificant amount of money to get the full game, not to mention the additional costs for DLCs.
Aside from this, the decision to port the games to iOS is concerning. Players often find complex titles difficult to control on touchscreens, and the games’ need for high-end devices with an M1 chip or better and a constant internet connection further limit their appeal.
The Resident Evil mobile ports faced an uphill battle from the start. Now, with the latest update, it seems that the games have stumbled further down. Whether these mobile ports can course-correct and appeal to a wider audience remains uncertain.
Source:
Resident Evil 4 Apple Store Page
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Apple Store Page
Resident Evil Village Apple Store Page
Mobilegamer.biz’s "Under 2,000 people have paid to play Resident Evil 7 on iOS, estimates say"
