Capcom shares climb 6% as investors weigh mobile prospects (updated)
25/09/2023 13:14
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By Sam Nussey
TOKYO, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Shares in Japanese video game
company Capcom 9697.T jumped 6% on Monday as gamers engaged
with the mobile instalment of its long-running "Monster Hunter"
franchise, developed with "Pokemon Go" maker Niantic.
"Monster Hunter Now", which combines monster fighting action
with the location-based gameplay of "Pokemon Go", has been
downloaded 5 million times since its Sept. 14 launch, Niantic
said last week, without providing a detailed breakdown.
In Japan, where the "Monster Hunter" franchise has a loyal
following, the new game is the top grossing app on Apple's iOS,
showed data from Sensor Tower, ahead of local favourites such as
horse racing idol game "Uma Musume Pretty Darby" and manga app
Piccoma.
"Monster Hunter Now" has received praise for translating the
storied series for a mobile audience. However industry observers
question if the title can replicate the success of "Pokemon Go",
which became a global phenomenon after it was released in 2016.
"From a global perspective when compared to a super brand
like "Pokemon", it is still niche," said Serkan Toto, founder of
consultancy Kantan Games.
Investors are weighing Capcom's mobile prospects, with the
company planning to bring titles from the "Resident Evil"
franchise to high-end iPhones this year.
Sustained engagement with "Monster Hunter Now" would be a
boost for Capcom, whose shares have gained a third this year
supported by the strength of franchises such as "Street
Fighter".
It would also be welcome for Niantic, which in June
announced redundancies and halted development of some titles
after struggles to create new hits.
Japan has proved an attractive maket for location-based
games, with "Dragon Quest Walk" a hit for gaming company Square
Enix 9684.T since its launch in 2019.
"It's getting a little bit crowded in the genre," said Toto.
(Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Christopher Cushing and
Louise Heavens)
((sam.nussey@tr.com;))