Capcom revealed ambitious plans to revitalize several dormant franchises in their 2025 Integrated Report released December 8, 2025. Company President and COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto stated that Capcom intends to expand its user base by releasing new games, ports, and remakes from IPs like Devil May Cry, Mega Man, and Ace Attorney, among others. This represents a significant strategic shift for Capcom, committing resources to grow these fan-favorite series into core IPs on the same level as their biggest franchises including Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil.
The announcement marks the first time in several years that Capcom has explicitly prioritized these franchises as growth areas rather than simply responding to investor questions or fan surveys. The commitment appears in official investor documentation, signaling genuine corporate strategy rather than vague promises. Tsujimoto emphasized that while Capcom remains focused on its core IPs, the company recognizes untapped potential in franchises that haven’t received major releases recently.
The Core IP Strategy
Capcom currently designates Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil as its core IPs. These three franchises generate the majority of Capcom’s revenue through consistent releases, remakes, and live-service content. Street Fighter 6 launched in 2023 and continues receiving DLC characters. Monster Hunter Wilds releases in 2026 as the next mainline entry. Resident Evil maintains momentum through remakes, with Resident Evil 9 confirmed in development.
However, relying on just three mega-franchises creates financial risk. If one underperforms or suffers a development problem, it significantly impacts corporate earnings. By elevating additional franchises to core IP status, Capcom diversifies its portfolio and creates more revenue streams. Devil May Cry, Mega Man, and Ace Attorney have proven fanbases and brand recognition but haven’t received the sustained investment that core IPs enjoy.
Why These Three Franchises
Devil May Cry last received a mainline entry with Devil May Cry 5 in 2019, which sold over seven million copies and earned critical acclaim. The franchise pioneered stylish action combat that influenced countless games. Six years between entries is long for a series with DMC’s commercial success and cultural impact. A Devil May Cry 6 or remake of earlier entries makes commercial sense.
Mega Man represents multiple sub-franchises including Classic, X, Zero, ZX, Legends, Battle Network, and Star Force. While Mega Man 11 released in 2018 and the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection arrives in 2026, the franchise hasn’t seen the consistent releases that would establish it as a core pillar. Capcom’s integrated report specifically highlighting Mega Man suggests major plans beyond legacy collections.
Ace Attorney’s Unique Position
Ace Attorney differs from Devil May Cry and Mega Man in that it’s a visual novel adventure series rather than action-focused gameplay. The franchise has dedicated fans but appeals to a narrower audience than action games. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles collection released in 2021, bringing previously Japan-exclusive entries to the West. However, no new mainline Ace Attorney game has been announced since Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy in 2024.
The series’ text-heavy nature and courtroom setting make it challenging to expand to casual audiences compared to action franchises. However, the quirky characters, memorable music, and engaging mystery stories have cult following status. By committing to revitalize Ace Attorney alongside action franchises, Capcom demonstrates they value narrative-driven experiences and recognize the series’ dedicated fanbase deserves continued support.
The RE Engine Advantage
Tsujimoto’s statement emphasized that Capcom will continue using its proprietary RE Engine for game development, with continual updates to keep up with new graphical technologies. The RE Engine powers Resident Evil remakes, Street Fighter 6, Devil May Cry 5, and Monster Hunter Rise. Its flexibility across genres from horror to fighting games to action-adventure makes it ideal for reviving dormant IPs without requiring franchise-specific engine development.
Building new Mega Man, Devil May Cry, or Ace Attorney games in RE Engine leverages existing tools and expertise rather than starting from scratch. This increases development efficiency and reduces costs compared to creating custom engines. The RE Engine’s proven track record with photorealistic graphics and smooth performance means these revitalized franchises can match modern AAA standards without compromising the stylized aesthetics that define their identities.
What This Means Practically
Game Rant noted that Capcom hasn’t officially stated if or when these franchises will see new releases, so fans must wait for concrete announcements. However, the integrated report language suggests active development or pre-production rather than distant possibilities. Companies don’t typically commit to investor documentation without genuine plans to execute, as failing to deliver damages credibility with shareholders.
The mention of new games, ports, and remakes indicates multiple approaches rather than just one new entry per franchise. We might see a Devil May Cry 1 remake alongside Devil May Cry 6. Ace Attorney could get both a new mainline entry and ports of DS/3DS titles to modern consoles. Mega Man’s various sub-series offer numerous remake and sequel opportunities. This multi-pronged strategy maximizes each franchise’s potential while testing which approaches resonate with modern audiences.
The Dormant IP Resurrection Pattern
Capcom’s commitment to revitalize these franchises follows their successful reactivation of other dormant IPs. In August 2024, Capcom announced new entries in both Onimusha and Okami franchises after years of dormancy. The company explicitly stated they were focusing on reactivating dormant IPs that hadn’t had new titles recently, working to enhance corporate value by leveraging their rich library of content.
This pattern suggests a deliberate corporate strategy rather than one-off decisions. Capcom conducted Super Elections surveys in February 2024 asking fans which franchises they wanted to see return. Dino Crisis and Mega Man appeared most frequently in word cloud results, directly informing which IPs Capcom prioritizes for revival. This data-driven approach ensures resources go toward franchises with demonstrated fan demand rather than executive hunches.
Reddit Community Reactions
The Reddit Mega Man subreddit highlighted that Protodude, a prominent Mega Man community figure, pointed out this is the first time in several years Capcom has shown clear intention to prioritize Mega Man as a growth area. This isn’t merely reacting to shareholder questions but a commitment they’re explicitly making moving forward. The community referenced a chart from investor presentations a couple years ago indicating the franchise was laying groundwork for brand recognition through collaborations, merchandise, and consistent sales, ultimately culminating in releasing a new game.
The Gaming Leaks and Rumours subreddit discussion shows cautious optimism mixed with skepticism. Fans have heard promises about reviving beloved franchises before, only to wait years without concrete announcements. However, the official integrated report language carries more weight than casual developer interviews or vague teases. The community consensus suggests fans want to see actual gameplay trailers or release dates before getting too excited.
Business Justification
From a purely financial perspective, revitalizing proven IPs makes more sense than creating new franchises. Devil May Cry, Mega Man, and Ace Attorney have established fanbases who will purchase new entries day one. Marketing costs decrease because existing brand recognition does much of the promotional work. Development risks lower because gameplay formulas and character designs already exist as foundations to build upon.
Additionally, modern gaming audiences include players nostalgic for franchises from the 2000s and earlier who now have disposable income. Adults who played original Mega Man games as children in the 1980s-90s are in their 30s-40s with money to spend on quality remakes or sequels. Capcom can simultaneously appeal to nostalgic longtime fans and introduce these franchises to younger players unfamiliar with the classics.
Timeline Speculation
While no specific release dates were announced, the integrated report’s publication in December 2025 suggests announcements could come throughout 2026. Major gaming events like Summer Game Fest, Gamescom, and The Game Awards provide perfect venues for revealing new entries or remakes. If development is already underway using RE Engine, some projects might target 2027 or 2028 releases.
The Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection arriving in 2026 keeps the Mega Man brand active while potentially more significant announcements wait for appropriate timing. Similarly, Ace Attorney trilogy collections and ports maintain franchise presence while new entries develop. This strategy of sustaining engagement through rereleases while building toward major new launches mirrors how Capcom handled Resident Evil’s resurgence.
FAQs
When will new Mega Man, Ace Attorney, or Devil May Cry games release?
No specific release dates have been announced. Capcom’s 2025 Integrated Report confirmed plans to revitalize these franchises but didn’t provide timelines. Expect announcements throughout 2026 with potential releases in 2027 or later.
What does Capcom mean by revitalize these franchises?
Capcom COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto stated they plan to release new games, ports, and remakes from these IPs. This multi-pronged approach includes new mainline entries, remakes of classic games, and ports of older titles to modern platforms.
Are these franchises becoming core IPs like Resident Evil?
Capcom stated they plan to grow Devil May Cry, Mega Man, and Ace Attorney into core IPs on the same level as Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil. This means sustained investment and regular releases rather than sporadic entries.
Why is Capcom focusing on these specific franchises?
These three franchises have proven commercial success, dedicated fanbases, and brand recognition. Fan surveys conducted by Capcom showed strong demand for new entries. Additionally, they haven’t received consistent releases recently, representing untapped revenue potential.
Will these games use the RE Engine?
Yes, Capcom confirmed they will continue using the RE Engine for game development with continual updates. The engine’s flexibility across genres makes it suitable for action games like Devil May Cry and Mega Man as well as narrative experiences like Ace Attorney.
What was the last game in each franchise?
Devil May Cry 5 released in 2019. Mega Man 11 launched in 2018, with Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection coming in 2026. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy released in 2024 as a collection, with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles in 2021 being the last major release.
Did Capcom announce any specific games?
No, the integrated report discussed franchise strategy without announcing specific titles. Concrete announcements for new games, remakes, or ports are expected at future gaming events throughout 2026.
What other dormant IPs is Capcom reviving?
Capcom previously announced new entries in Onimusha and Okami franchises in 2024. Fan surveys showed strong interest in Dino Crisis as well, though no official announcement has been made for that franchise yet.
Conclusion
Capcom’s commitment to revitalizing Devil May Cry, Mega Man, and Ace Attorney represents a significant strategic shift for the company. By elevating these franchises to core IP status through sustained investment in new games, remakes, and ports, Capcom diversifies its portfolio beyond Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter. The use of RE Engine ensures development efficiency while maintaining AAA quality standards. While no specific titles or release dates were announced, the inclusion of this strategy in official investor documentation signals genuine intent rather than empty promises. For fans of these beloved franchises, the December 2025 integrated report offers the strongest indication yet that the long waits for new entries are finally ending. Whether Capcom delivers on these ambitions throughout 2026 and beyond will determine if dormant franchises truly return to glory or remain in the shadows of the company’s bigger successes.