If you’ve noticed that various studios from all over the map have been buying “smaller studios” to help bolster their ranks and make more games, you’re not alone. One could even say that this has been a “trend” going on over the last several years for better and worse. By “and for worse,” we’re obviously talking about the Xbox/Sony situation that was a trainwreck in many ways and didn’t result in much happening despite Sony’s “best efforts.” Getting back on track, Capcom has now made a bit of a splash by announcing they’ve acquired Swordcanes Studio.
If you’re not familiar with that studio, it’s okay. They’re a smaller studio that has been helping Capcom, and others finish their games over the last few years. Think of them more like a “support studio,” as they’ve helped finish titles like Final Fantasy XVI, Hi-Fi Rush, Street Fighter 6, and more.
As Capcom noted in a statement, as stated by VGC, the company works well with 3D models and environments on a grand scale:
“Swordcanes’ strength lies in 3D computer graphics production technology in consumer home video game development, and the studio has carried out work on major Capcom titles in the past,” Capcom said. “As such, Capcom decided to make the studio its wholly-owned subsidiary to sustainably bolster its developmental and technological capabilities.”
While this may still feel odd to some of you compared to the “other acquisitions” that have been made over the years, you have to remember that for many developers, having the best people to make your games is a must, but not everyone who is the best works at the big studios. Instead, sometimes they work at smaller ones as they haven’t been recognized yet. Clearly, the publisher saw a lot of talent within Swordcanes Studio and decided to bring them into the fold permanently. Hopefully, the new acquisition will be appreciated and helps Capcom grow even more.
Another point is that the publisher has been having quite a good year. They even boasted in the Swordcanes reveal statement that the company has had consistent growth:
“During the three months ended June 30, 2023, Capcom’s core Digital Contents business delivered sales of 13.5 million units for its home video game software, surpassing the 11.7 million units in sales in the same period of the previous year and significantly contributing to the value of the company’s content.”
They’ve also released three big titles this year that have all done well, respectively, and they will want to keep building off that.
