Companies & Studios

Capcom

From arcade to empire

Japanese developer Capcom created Street Fighter, Mega Man, Resident Evil, and countless arcade classics, shaping gaming for decades.

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Overview

Capcom began manufacturing electronic game machines in 1979. Their arcade games—Ghosts ‘n Goblins, 1942, Street Fighter—built their reputation. Console franchises—Mega Man, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter—built their empire. Through arcade decline and console ascendance, Capcom remained essential.

Fast facts

  • Founded: 1979 as I.R.M. Corporation, Osaka, Japan.
  • Name: from “Capsule Computers.”
  • Arcade breakthrough: Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985).
  • Fighting revolution: Street Fighter II (1991) created the fighting game genre.
  • Console franchises: Mega Man, Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Monster Hunter.
  • Modern success: Monster Hunter: World became their best-selling game.

The arcade era

Capcom’s arcade output was prolific:

  • 1942 (1984): World War II shooter, vertical scrolling.
  • Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985): brutal platformer.
  • Commando (1985): top-down run-and-gun.
  • Bionic Commando (1987): grappling hook innovation.
  • Final Fight (1989): belt-scrolling beat-em-up.

Street Fighter II

The 1991 sequel transformed gaming:

  • Eight distinct characters with unique moves.
  • Six-button control scheme.
  • Competitive depth that created tournaments.
  • Arcade revenue that seemed impossible.
  • Home conversions that sold millions.

Street Fighter II didn’t invent fighting games, but it invented fighting game culture.

Home computer versions

Capcom games reached 8-bit and 16-bit computers:

  • Ghosts ‘n Goblins: ported everywhere.
  • 1942, 1943: vertical shooters converted with varying success.
  • Street Fighter II: Amiga and ST versions available.
  • Licensed conversions: US Gold, Ocean, others handled ports.

The console transition

As arcades declined, Capcom pivoted:

  • Mega Man (1987): NES platformer, spawned massive franchise.
  • Resident Evil (1996): defined survival horror.
  • Devil May Cry (2001): created stylish action genre.
  • Monster Hunter (2004): became phenomenon in Japan, then worldwide.

Legacy

Capcom adapted better than most arcade companies. Their franchises span decades; their design philosophy—challenge, precision, spectacle—remains consistent. From Arthur in his underwear to Ryu’s hadouken to zombies in Raccoon City, Capcom’s characters define gaming history.

See also