Let's talk about anything about video games, no matter what platform it is. What is your favorite game? Who is your favorite character? What are the recently released games? What is DLC (downloadable content)? How do I beat this boss? How do I set up my team?
Looks like the mighty publisher behind some of the video game industry’s most memorable franchises is now up for purchase in the market, as shareholders of the Japanese gaming company CapCom have decided not to renew their “Takeover Defense†policy—used as a countermeasure to prevent any hostile takeovers and to keep the company as an independent entity—and a buyout is now possible by any interested parties.
The decision opens up shares and stock of CapCom to be bought, allowing major companies the opportunity to move in on one of the most recognizable third-party video game developers of all time.
This is a possible and major turning point in the company’s history, as anybody who purchases a major stake can have the authority to shift or retain the direction it goes.
CapCom's official statement reads:
The 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of CapCom Co., Ltd. was held today, June 16, 2014. At this meeting, the shareholders did not approve our third proposal: Renewal of Countermeasures in response to a Large-Scale Purchase of Shares of the Company (Takeover Defense). CapCom made an announcement concerning this proposal in a press release dated May 16, 2014.
1. Result of voting
The takeover defense proposal was not approved because this proposal did not receive majority of voting rights as required.
2. Upcoming actions
Despite of non-approval of Renewal of Takeover Defense at the 35th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, CapCom will continue to focus on further preserving and enhancing corporate value and common interests of its shareholders. If there is any large-scale purchaser of CapCom stock, we will react to make necessary measures within the admissible limits of applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we will react to take steps to ensure disclosure of the position of the board of directors and other information and that there is sufficient time for shareholders to examine the proposed large-scale purchase and reach a decision.
Known for publishing and releasing major gaming titles and franchises such as the Street Fighter, Megaman, Monster Hunter, and the Resident Evil series, CapCom was founded in 1983, and has gone on to become one of the leading brands and enterprises related to the gaming industry.
The name is a portmanteau of “Capsule Computersâ€, coming from the arcade machines the company manufactured and made during its early years to designate themselves away from personal computers.
Since then, the company has not only continued to develop video games, but has also branched out and created other forms of entertainment and media, ranging from books to toys and even films based on their properties, such as the 1994 Street Fighter film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil films.
The news comes just as CapCom’s presence was surprisingly and somewhat mysteriously low-key at this month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. With only a few titles and new DLC content announced for next-generation consoles and no major announcements made for their popular franchises, one can only wonder what is going on behind-the-scenes in one of the most recognizable brands of video game popular culture.
Some speculate that it is the end of CapCom as we know it, while others are hopeful that the potential buyout may be the new direction the company needs. We can only wait and see how this develops over time. — TJD, GMA News
out of the 3 i think Nintendo has better chance of acquiring pero, i feared they could partially ruined some capcom franchises like resident evil & street fighter or devil may cry. I'm still wondering what made Capcom fall? Is it because their marketing strategies on their DLCs? or is too much Monster Rancher?
I thought DmC, SFxTekken & RE6 gave them enough profit to be a sustainable company.
I hope other gaming companies join the bid. How about Warner Bros., Namco-Bandai or Tecmo-Koei?
upon reading around, i pretty much can also say that it is capcom's practice of profit over fanbase that led them to this fate.
Puro na lang sila recycled titles, wala na sila halos nilabas na bagong title or nirevive na series. Just bec kumita ang isang title they will make it into a series na to play it safe. Its annoying kasi ilang beses nila nirelease ang ibang titles pero kakaunti lang naman ang binago tulad nung SF4, UMVC3, MH & RE. As much as i grew up playing capcom games especially SF, it would have been better if they went for something completely new. Take square enix for example, they may be getting some hate for changing the pace of the FF series pero it is all for progression and no other publishers that I knew have capitalized greedily on DLC's than capcom, ultimo costumes talagang pagkakakitaan pa. Remember the issue before of paying to unlock some characters in SFXT?
Ako ayoko pa mawala ang capcom pero if they wont change their ways, they will eventually need to close shop and we will get to see the end credits that we all known to love for the final time: "Thank you for playing! Presented by Capcom"
Capcom Deputy Head of Consumer Games Development Yoshinori Ono gave a tiny speech before the Ultra Street Fighter IV finals at the EVO 2014 championships today.
Ono jokingly apologized for Street Fighter still being at “Ultra†while the Tekken series is currently at number 7. He went on to say that Capcom are planning the advancement of the Street Fighter series, and asked the crowd for their patience.
Capcom will be announcing something “soon,†Ono said, although he didn’t specify just when this would be.
Capcom marketing director Antoine Molant spoke about Resident Evil HD, Zero and future project. He said:
Resident Evil 0 was already in the development pipeline when Resident Evil HD was released so that game’s success wasn’t really part of our decision to bring that title to the gamers. Given what we have seen from the fan base since the announcement, we expect it to do extremely well.
I can’t comment on our unannounced projects, but obviously a success like RE HD makes us look at remastered games in the future.
Capcom says that it is all about content quality and whether fans want to see remasters or not. I can’t speak for anyone else but frankly, I’m tired for seeing so many re-releases this generation.
Capcom should move on and work on a new IP or better yet, Resident Evil 7.
Q: They say that the Resident Evil series is losing its horror touch. What are your thoughts on this?
A: Since there’s been more spinoff titles, I can see how it can be perceived in such a way. And of course I believe that we should produce titles that bring out the horror. I’m thinking about it and also preparing for it.
Q: Will there be any HD versions for Resident Evil 2, 3, and Outbreak?
A: The hurdle is high, but we’d like to respond to as much demand as possible. [Note: Resident Evil 2’s remake was recently approved.]
Q: And what about Resident Evil 7?
A: We’re currently not at a state to talk about it… but please stay tuned.
The following is from Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi.
Q: Are there plans for any spinoff titles or anime for Sengoku Basara?
A: I’d like to do those, but it’s undecided for now.
Q: What about plans for a new Devil May Cry or a new offline Dragon’s Dogma?
A: They’re also things I’d like to personally do, but there are no plans [for now].
