Capcom Enhances Resident Evil Games with Online DRM for iOS

TouchArcade Rating:

While updates for premium mobile ports often improve optimization or compatibility, Capcom's recent update (released an hour ago) for Resident Evil 7 biohazard (Free), Resident Evil 4 Remake (Free), and Resident Evil Village (Free) on iOS and iPadOS introduces unwelcome online DRM. This DRM verifies purchase history upon game launch, checking for ownership of the game and any DLC. Refusal results in game closure. This necessitates an online connection for every launch, impacting offline playability, a feature previously available.

Pre-update testing confirmed offline functionality. Post-update, the online check is mandatory. While this may not bother everyone, the forced online DRM in already-purchased games is concerning. Ideally, Capcom would implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps checking less frequently. This update negatively impacts the recommendation of Capcom's premium mobile ports.

The games remain free to try. Download Resident Evil 7 biohazard on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Find Resident Evil 4 Remake here on the App Store and Resident Evil Village here. Read my reviews here, here, and here. Do you own these Resident Evil titles on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?