TouchArcade Rating:
Mobile game updates often improve optimization or compatibility. However, Capcom's recent update for Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Resident Evil Village on iOS and iPadOS introduces an unwelcome change: mandatory online DRM. This DRM checks your purchase history upon launching the games, verifying ownership before accessing the title screen. Rejecting the check closes the application. While the process takes only a few seconds with an internet connection, offline play is now impossible. This is a significant downgrade from the previous versions, which allowed offline access.
Pre-update testing confirmed offline functionality. Post-update, the DRM prompt appears, and refusing it terminates the game. While some players may not be affected, the addition of this always-on DRM to already-purchased games is concerning. Ideally, Capcom would implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps checking only periodically rather than on every launch. This update negatively impacts the recommendation of these premium-priced ports.
If you haven't purchased these titles, free trials are available. You can find Resident Evil 7 biohazard on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Resident Evil 4 Remake and Resident Evil Village are available on the App Store here and here, respectively. My reviews can be found here, here, and here.
Do you own these Resident Evil games on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?
