In a conference call regarding its performance in the first quarter of the fiscal year (ending in March 2009), Capcom responded to some questions regarding the viability of Resident Evil 5. “We believe that PS3 has finally reached full swing after looking at the success of Metal Gear Solid 4, as well as future large-scale title line-ups. In addition, some reduction in the PS3′s price was announced at the 2008 E3, and we can expect its spread to increase by next March when our Resident Evil 5 for PS3 will be released.” They also pointed out that their company’s survival isn’t entirely hinging on the PS3 as they will be spreading their software across the Xbox 360 and Wii as well.

The question was also raised regarding how they think RE5 will do with such a glut of action/survival horror titles being displayed at E3 this year. They pointed out the brand recognition that the series has (which is undoubtedly pretty strong given that it’s far from being the fifth title released in the series) and went on to say that they weren’t concerned about the competition as they would be working hard on improving the quality of the game.

In response to the question of video game films Capcom said that they would be avoiding the risk of the film industry by not involving themselves in projects beyond licensing their products- collecting the associate royalty fees- and occasionally financing projects. They said that their strategy essentially involves using the films as a means to promote their software by releasing products somewhat concurrently with the films. Certainly not a bad approach given the relatively low success of video game films, but one has to wonder if direct studio involvement would force directors, writers and producers to remain truer to the original story and vision, thus creating films that would satisfy the fans more.