14 DAY TRIAL // Capcom is sending word that the recently launched Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, available only via digital download, has been sold to more than 250,000 players. The title, which is basically a modern remake of the classic fighting game, with graphics updated and some moves tweaked, can be paid for and downloaded using the Xbox Live Arcade service provided by Microsoft or the PlayStation Network service offered by Sony.
Another Capcom game, the GRIN developed Bionic Commando Rearmed, which was released in August, was a previous digital download success, with more than 130,000 units sold in the first week since release. The videogame is available for the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the PC.
John Diamonon, a Capcom representative, said that “HD Remix has shattered both day-one and week-one sales records and will most likely break 30-day sales records as well. It's on its way to becoming the highest-grossing digital title ever.” The game was released on November 25 on Xbox Live and on November 26 on PSN.
Capcom is actively pursuing remakes of classic titles as an important revenue stream. Alongside Bionic Commando Rearmed and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Mega Man 9 can be seen as a sort of return to the basics for the series. These games, which are released digitally, eliminating the cost needed for disk multiplication, packaging and shipping, usually already have a dedicated following that provides relatively stable sales.
Capcom is also gearing up to release Street Fighter IV, a truly new and original installment in the fighting game series. The title is currently playable in arcade cabinets in both Japan and in North America. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release dates are set for February, while a PC version of the game will come later.