The Key to Capcom's Success: Focusing on Fundamentals

The concept of fear of missing out, or FOMO, is a crucial aspect of consumer psychology. Businesses often use FOMO to create a sense of urgency, from limited-time sales to exclusive pre-order bonuses. However, while companies may be skilled at manipulating FOMO in their customers, many executives and managers are not immune to its effects. The fear of missing out on the next big trend or technology can lead to ill-advised decisions, such as diverting resources from core game development or forcing teams to implement features based on the latest buzzword. This can result in a loss of focus on the company's core strengths and values. Capcom, on the other hand, has resisted the pressure to jump on every bandwagon and has instead focused on its traditional business model. The company's decade-long rise to success is a testament to the importance of staying true to its roots and prioritizing quality game development. By doing so, Capcom has built a loyal fan base and achieved significant financial growth, with its stock price increasing by 1200% over the past decade. The company's approach is not about being at the cutting edge of every new technology or trend, but about delivering well-crafted games that resonate with its audience. Capcom's commitment to its core franchises, such as Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Monster Hunter, has allowed it to maintain a consistent level of quality and build a loyal following. The company's willingness to experiment with new ideas, such as its recent foray into online team-based shooters with Exoprimal, is also notable. However, these experiments are done in a way that does not compromise the company's core values or divert significant resources from its main franchises. In contrast to other publishers, Capcom's traditional approach feels almost radical in today's fast-paced gaming industry. The company's ability to balance innovation with a focus on its core strengths has allowed it to build a strong foundation for long-term success. This approach has also earned Capcom a significant amount of consumer goodwill, which is essential for any company looking to build a loyal customer base. One of the key factors contributing to Capcom's success is its ability to resist the pressure to pivot to new technologies or trends. The company has stuck to its guns, even when it was not the most popular approach, and has been rewarded for its perseverance. For example, Capcom's decision to focus on its core franchises, rather than trying to create games that appeal to a broader Western audience, has allowed it to maintain its unique identity and build a loyal following. The company's confidence in its ability to create games that resonate with its audience has also allowed it to take risks and try new things, such as its experiments with PSVR support in the Resident Evil series. However, Capcom is not immune to challenges, and the company's reliance on remakes and remasters may become more difficult to sustain in the medium term. The company will need to dig deeper into its back catalog to find new opportunities for remakes and remasters, and it may need to be more selective about which titles to update. Despite these challenges, Capcom's success story is one that other companies can learn from. The company's focus on quality, its commitment to its core franchises, and its willingness to resist the pressure to follow every trend have all contributed to its success. By following a similar approach, other companies can build a strong foundation for long-term growth and success.