Despite 83,000 downloads, only 2.4% of players upgraded to the paid version, raising questions about the viability of AAA games on mobile platforms

Resident Evil 7’s iOS release has stumbled significantly, with sales figures revealing a stark underperformance. According to Appmagic data shared by MobileGamer.biz, fewer than 2000 players purchased the game, despite it being downloaded 83,000 times since its release on July 2, 2024. This equates to a mere 2.4% conversion rate from the free-to-start model to the £15.99 paid version, resulting in an estimated revenue of $28,140 before Apple’s 30% cut.

This disappointing performance marks Resident Evil 7 as the latest in a series of high-profile AAA game flops on iOS, following in the footsteps of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil Village, Death Stranding, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage. For comparison, since its launch on June 6, less than 3000 players have purchased Assassin’s Creed Mirage for £44.99. Resident Evil 4 and Village, both released last year, have seen slightly better sales with approximately 7000 and 5750 purchases, respectively.

Several factors contribute to these lacklustre sales. One significant barrier is the necessity for high-end iOS devices. Resident Evil 7 requires an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max or an iPad with an M1 chip or above, limiting its accessibility. Additionally, the mobile gaming market may not be well-suited for AAA experiences that are typically designed for consoles or PCs, both of which offer more robust controls and performance capabilities.

Digital Foundry previously described Resident Evil Village on iOS as a “captivating tech demo” but ultimately “hard to recommend,” echoing sentiments about the suitability and pricing of AAA games on mobile platforms. While the presence of these games showcases the technical prowess of Apple’s devices, it raises questions about the actual demand and practicality for such high-end gaming experiences on mobile.

MobileGamer.biz speculates that Apple might be financially incentivizing publishers to bring AAA games to its devices. Despite the technical achievements, the low sales figures prompt a critical evaluation of whether publishers will continue to invest in mobile adaptations of their AAA titles.

Amid these developments, Capcom announced the next installment in the Resident Evil series from the director of Resident Evil 7, signalling an ongoing commitment to the franchise, albeit with potential reevaluations of their mobile strategy.

Analysis

Political

The performance of Resident Evil 7 on iOS reflects broader industry trends and challenges within the gaming sector. High-profile releases often serve as a barometer for market viability, and their success or failure can influence regulatory scrutiny and platform policies. For instance, Apple’s 30% revenue cut is a contentious issue that has sparked legal and political debates about fair business practices and antitrust concerns. The struggles of AAA games on iOS could further fuel discussions about the economic dynamics between app developers and platform providers.

Social

The poor sales of Resident Evil 7 on iOS highlight a significant disparity between user expectations and actual gaming experiences on mobile devices. Socially, this underscores the distinct preferences of mobile gamers, who typically favour casual, accessible, and often free-to-play games over complex, high-cost titles. The situation reflects a potential misalignment between what publishers assume players want and the actual behaviours and desires of the mobile gaming community. This misjudgment can prompt a reevaluation of how AAA games are marketed and adapted for different platforms.

Racial

While the data does not directly address racial dynamics, the broader context of mobile gaming reveals significant engagement from diverse demographic groups globally. The accessibility challenges and high costs associated with AAA games on iOS may disproportionately affect underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities. This scenario can exacerbate existing inequalities within the gaming world, where access to premium content is often limited by socioeconomic status. Ensuring inclusivity in gaming experiences remains a critical consideration for developers and platform providers.

Gender

Gender dynamics in gaming are complex and evolving. The underperformance of AAA games like Resident Evil 7 on iOS may point to differing gaming preferences and habits across genders. Research indicates that women, who represent a substantial portion of the mobile gaming audience, often gravitate towards genres and game styles that differ from those traditionally offered by AAA titles. Recognizing and catering to these diverse preferences is essential for developers aiming to capture a broader and more inclusive audience.

Economic

The economic implications of Resident Evil 7’s flop on iOS are significant for both Capcom and the wider industry. Developing AAA games for mobile platforms involves substantial investment, and the low sales figures raise questions about the return on such investments. The high price point of £15.99, coupled with the requirement for high-end devices, suggests a mismatch between the product’s cost and its perceived value by consumers. This economic mismatch could deter future investments in similar mobile adaptations, prompting publishers to rethink their strategies and potentially focus more on platforms where AAA games have historically thrived.