Resident Evil 3 was not the blockbuster success everyone expected it, except Capcom. According to the studio, title sales haven’t “especially deviated” from predictions.
In a recent earnings call, Capcom noted that Resident Evil 3 sold 2.7 million units. It had as much over the past three months, which was solid by any other standards. Even then, many believe the game is a mild success or likely broke even.
The numbers are impressive, but the game didn’t seem to measure up to the RE2 Remake. The Japanese gaming studio, however, does not seem surprised.
Sales haven’t “especially deviated” from expectations with RE3
In Capcom’s financial results Q&A, the studio notes the game is on point to expectations. They expected RE3 to perform weaker than many other titles. There is also historical precedent to this belief.
“With reference to sales trends for the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis as well, results have not especially deviated from our internal sales plan,” said the document. “Looking ahead, we will consider pricing strategies targeting the holiday season, starting in autumn and running to the end of the year.”
The RE3 remake is not a very strong game by all accounts. The game sold 2.7 million copies over three months. These numbers are 55% lower than Resident Evil 2’s 4.2 million launch sale in two months.
Resident Evil 7 sold 3.5 million in two months too. Even the notably weaker parts of the franchise, RE5 and RE6, sold 5 million and 4.8 million respectively. Capcom even noted that it sold more back catalog titles than the RE2 Remake.
RE3 remake is a case of good game, bad remake
Resident Evil 3 is one of the best games ever, but the remake is not robust. Fans note that the game missed a few areas that made the original great.
First, the entirety of the RE3 remake is quite a short experience. The game, in its entirety, runs a measly 11 hours long if you take your time. The average player can finish the game in six hours.
Nemesis is also far less aggressive compared to Mr. X. He’s much less intrusive and ominous compared to the Resident Evil 2 villain. It doesn’t help that he’s only sprinkled around set-piece events.
The original RE3 didn’t sell as good as RE2, with 3.5 million compared to 4.96 million. These figures don’t speak of the weakness of RE3 as title, but rather the lackluster way Capcom presents it.
Fans can expect Resident Evil 3 to get a reasonable sale price in the coming holidays. Players can pick it up on Steam, Xbox One, and the PS4.
Images courtesy of Resident Evil/YouTube Screenshot