Capcom Updates ‘Resident Evil 4′, ‘Resident Evil Village’, and ‘Resident Evil 7’ on iOS With Online DRM

TouchArcade Rating:

Updates for premium mobile ports usually improve optimization or compatibility. However, Capcom's recent update for Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Resident Evil Village on iOS and iPadOS introduces an online DRM system. This system verifies your purchase history upon launching the games, checking if you own the game and any DLC. Rejecting the check closes the application. While this takes only a few seconds with an internet connection, it renders the games unplayable offline—a significant change from previous versions.

Before this update, all three games functioned offline. This mandatory online check is unfortunate and negatively impacts the user experience. While some may not be bothered, the addition of this DRM to already-purchased games is concerning. Hopefully, Capcom will implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps checking less frequently. This update makes recommending Capcom's premium ports more difficult.

The games are free to try. You can download 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. Read my reviews here, here, and here. Do you own these Resident Evil games on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?