Capcom Enhances iOS Versions of Resident Evil 4, Village, and 7 with Online DRM

TouchArcade Rating:

The latest updates for Capcom's premium-priced ports on mobile, including Resident Evil 7 biohazard (Free), Resident Evil 4 Remake (Free), and Resident Evil Village (Free) on iOS and iPadOS, have introduced a significant change. Just an hour ago, these games received an update that implemented an online DRM system. This system performs a purchase history check every time you launch the game, ensuring that you own the game or its DLC before allowing you to proceed to the title screen. If you indicate that you do not own the game, it will close immediately. While this process takes just a few seconds if you're online, it's a mandatory step, and these games can no longer be played offline. This is a disappointing shift, as the games were previously playable without an internet connection.

I personally tested all three games before and after the update. Prior to the update, they launched and functioned perfectly offline. Now, with the new update, you'll encounter an alert upon launching the game, and selecting 'no' will result in the game closing. While this may not be a concern for everyone, I find the addition of online DRM to games that people have already purchased to be problematic. Ideally, Capcom should explore alternative methods for purchase verification that do not require an online check every time the game is launched. Such changes can negatively impact the recommendation of Capcom's premium-priced ports. If you haven't yet tried these games, they are available for a free trial. You can download Resident Evil 7 biohazard for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Resident Evil 4 Remake is available here on the App Store, and Resident Evil Village can be found here. For detailed reviews, you can read my thoughts on them here, here, and here.