According to recent Appmagic estimates, Resident Evil 7, the latest console game port to arrive as an iOS exclusive, has garnered less than 2,000 paying customers.
Despite being highlighted by Apple in the past as a showcase of the iPhone’s technical prowess, the game has seen disappointing sales since its release on July 2.
This trend is not new. Other big-name console game ports, including Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, and Death Stranding, have similarly underperformed on iOS. These games, heavily promoted during Apple keynotes, struggle in the mobile market.
At the time of writing, Resident Evil 7 has been downloaded just over 83,000 times but has earned Capcom an estimated $28,140, excluding Apple’s 30% cut. This translates to fewer than 2,000 paying customers, assuming a $20 unlock fee for the full game.
The game’s requirements limit its audience further. It is only playable on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as high-end iPads with an M1 chip or newer. The App Store listing strongly advises using a dedicated game controller for a better experience, highlighting compatibility issues with some controllers.
Originally released on console and PC in January 2017, Resident Evil 7 is priced at $20 across various platforms. However, its suitability for Apple’s hardware still needs to be investigated. The 25GB file size also poses installation challenges, requiring significant storage space and lengthy download times, depending on internet speed.
The game’s product page also warns that no returns or exchanges will be offered post-purchase, which might further deter potential buyers.
The situation raises questions about the viability of console game ports on iOS, suggesting that the only feasible business model might involve financial incentives from Apple to developers, though this still needs to be confirmed.
All in all, the lukewarm reception of these titles indicates that more adjustments may be needed to make such games successful on mobile platforms.