Capcom to focus on multi-platform games

Capcom plans to offer all major releases on multiple platforms in future in order to maximise their impact in the west, where "consoles are practically waging war against one another" in the company's words.

"'Completing implementation of multi-platform development on major titles' means that all major titles launched during the next fiscal year or thereafter will be developed as multi-platform games," was the word in Capcom's annual report.

The Japanese publisher has already seen the fruits of this strategy with games like Devil May Cry 4 in Europe and the US. Capcom also reckons Europe is increasingly important. Oh you.

"The home videogame market was originally focused on Japan but that is a thing of the past," it said. "Nowadays, the main focus has shifted overseas and the videogame industry is expanding worldwide."

Importantly, the "MT Framework" development platform created by the company for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 development is now in place, and Capcom has high hopes for games such as Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV. As do we.

The Wii and casual games also form a strong part of the future for the firm, as does expanding IP into a variety of other products, such as films, music CDs, comics and hopefully fancy-dress costumes.

Capcom also pointed out that it has several Western-focused titles in development - like Dark Void - and that the company plans to aggressively acquire studios or partners, particularly bright independent outfits, that fit in with the big picture.