Recently, players attempting to start the mobile versions of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Village may have encountered an unexpected requirement: an internet connection. This change is surprising, especially since it’s uncommon for single-player games to need online connectivity. Let’s delve into why this requirement has been introduced and what it means for players.
The Unusual Requirement
In general, single-player games, especially those available on mobile platforms, do not typically require an internet connection. Mobile games in general might often need online connectivity for updates, multiplayer features, or for ad content. However, single-player games like Resident Evil have traditionally allowed players to enjoy the game offline. The recent update from Capcom, which targets Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village on iOS, includes a note stating: “Due to changes to the startup process, an internet connection is now required when starting this app.” This update certainly stands out as an anomaly in the world of single-player mobile gaming.
Speculated Reasons
Among the gaming community, particularly on forums like Reddit, there has been widespread speculation regarding Capcom’s decision to necessitate internet connectivity. Some suggest it could be for DRM (Digital Rights Management) checks or data collection purposes. DRM helps in preventing piracy and ensuring that the game is used according to the license terms, while data collection might be used for improving user experience or for other internal purposes.
Comparing with Other Mobile Games
It is indeed strange, considering many other single-player mobile games do not impose such requirements. These games often allow players to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions anywhere, even without network availability. Nevertheless, Capcom’s move seems to deviate from this norm, and it may set a precedent for other developers in the future.
While the update introduced by Capcom for Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village requiring an internet connection has sparked surprise and speculation, the exact reasons remain a subject of discussion. It is clear, however, that this change marks a significant shift in the landscape of single-player mobile gaming. As players adapt to this new requirement, we can only hope that Capcom will provide further clarity on their decision in the future, ensuring that the essence of single-player gaming is preserved.
