The latest Capcom blockbuster, Monster Hunter Wilds, sold 10 million copies worldwide just a month after its release in February 2025, marking the fastest start in the company's history. However, despite the record-breaking success, Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto warns that the high cost of the Sony PlayStation 5 console remains a significant obstacle to the game's broader reach.

In a conversation with Nikkei Gaming at the end of May, Tsujimoto noted that the early success of the title was the result of focused efforts to boost initial sales—a direction Capcom has particularly emphasized since last year's release of Dragon’s Dogma 2. “Selling 10 million units in one month is no easy feat,” he said, “But by boosting initial numbers, we can ensure strong follow-up sales over several years.”

This achievement has strengthened Capcom's decade-long growth trend. For the fiscal year ending in March 2025, the company reported its twelfth consecutive period of operational profit growth and record figures in both consolidated sales and profit. Digital strategies and a portfolio of long-lasting franchises—such as Resident Evil and Street Fighter—have enabled the consistent sale of millions of copies of older games annually.

Nevertheless, Tsujimoto cautioned that the industry faces structural challenges, particularly related to equipment costs. Monster Hunter Wilds was released primarily on PlayStation 5, a console that costs around 80,000 yen in Japan. Adding the cost of the game and subscriptions, total expenses reach approximately 100,000 yen ($670 USD)—a level Tsujimoto described as “not easily reachable, especially for younger generations.”

The so-called “PS5 barrier” is not limited to Japan, he emphasized, but reflects global consumer fluctuations. By comparison, the new Nintendo Switch 2, released at a price of 49,980 yen, received better-than-expected feedback, highlighting the high price sensitivity of the mass market.

Capcom now faces the challenge of maintaining the momentum of Monster Hunter Wilds throughout the year. The company plans to leverage accumulated user data and targeted marketing to expand the game's reach beyond initial buyers. Tsujimoto acknowledged that overcoming the high equipment cost issue will be key to maximizing sales: “Our next challenge is to get Monster Hunter Wilds into the hands of as many people as possible.”

In addition to major releases, Capcom is also considering esports as a new growth driver. In March 2025, the company successfully held a tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, demonstrating the potential of competitive gaming as a standalone business.

With strong financial performance, record releases, and new development directions, Capcom is establishing itself as one of the most resilient game publishers in Japan. However, as Tsujimoto emphasizes, even the most powerful titles must contend with the realities of hardware pricing in the global market.