Capcom Enhances Resident Evil Trilogy for iOS with Online DRM

TouchArcade Rating:

Mobile game updates usually improve performance or compatibility. However, Capcom's recent update for Resident Evil 7 biohazard (Free), Resident Evil 4 Remake (Free), and Resident Evil Village (Free) on iOS and iPadOS introduces an online DRM system. This system verifies your purchase history upon launching the games, checking for ownership of the game and any DLC. Refusal results in game closure. This requires an internet connection for every launch, adding a delay before accessing saved games and eliminating offline play. This is a significant drawback, as the games previously functioned offline.

Pre-update testing confirmed offline functionality. Post-update, the DRM prompt appears, and selecting "no" exits the game. While some may not mind, the addition of this always-online DRM to already-purchased games is concerning. Hopefully, Capcom will implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps one that checks less frequently. This update negatively impacts the recommendation of Capcom's premium mobile ports.

If you haven't purchased these titles, free trials are available. You can find Resident Evil 7 biohazard on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Resident Evil 4 Remake is available on the App Store here, and Resident Evil Village here. My reviews can be found here, here, and here.

Do you own these three Resident Evil games on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?