Capcom’s Stance on Mods: A Threat to Reputation and Profit
In a recent presentation by Capcom’s R&D department, mods were equated to cheats, with the company expressing concerns over their impact on its intellectual properties (IPs). The hour-long presentation, titled “Anti-cheat and Anti-Piracy Measures in PC Games Recommendations for In-House Production,” delved into strategies for combating piracy and cheating in Capcom’s PC releases, with a particular focus on mods and the modding scene.
According to Capcom, all mods are considered cheats unless they are officially supported. The company views any modification as indistinguishable from a cheat within its proprietary RE Engine. Malicious mods, in particular, can severely damage Capcom’s reputation and result in negative publicity. Additionally, these mods can lead to increased support response times due to customer complaints about bugs and issues caused by them. This, in turn, can cause delays in product development and divert support away from players who genuinely require assistance.
While the majority of mods can have a positive impact on the game, Capcom acknowledges that some mods can still be detrimental to the company. The modding communities surrounding Capcom’s games, known for their high-quality mods, may face challenges due to this stance. While it is understandable that mods alter existing files or introduce new ones (similar to cheating tools), Capcom’s drastic approach is surprising.
Capcom also expresses concerns about the PC platform’s freedom, which allows users to tamper with its products. The company highlights various protection measures in the presentation, indicating its heightened caution when releasing games on PC. Capcom argues that the PC platform, with its cheats and piracy, can lead to profit losses. It emphasizes that console releases are fully protected and adhere to strict developer-defined standards, unlike the open and accessible nature of PC.
The future implications of Capcom’s stance on mods and the PC platform remain unclear. However, it is evident that the company is taking a cautious approach.
Source: DOTESPORTS
