The current state of the global video game industry in the middle of the second quarter The year 2026 is characterized by a complex interweaving of unprecedented blockbuster anticipation and a profound structural reorganization of production processes. May 2026 was the crystallization point for several long-term trends: from the move to more sustainable update cycles in the game-services segment to a return to time-tested franchises amid the growing risks of developing new intellectual rights. An analysis of this month's events shows that publishers are looking to balance their financial statements by nurturing classic brands while trying to adapt to macroeconomic challenges represented by a wave of layoffs and market consolidation.
Capcom strategic vector: Revitalization of classics and financial stability
Capcom’s financial report, presented in May 2026, confirmed the publisher’s status as one of the most stable players on the market. The company recorded record profits for the tenth year in a row, which is largely due to the success of the series Resident Evil, in particular the latest release Resident Evil Requiem, as well as stable catalog sales.4 However The key insight of the report was not so much financial success as the formalization of the strategy for working with “dormant” franchises.
Nurture Program and Long-Term IP Planning
Capcom has officially indicated its intention to develop brands such as Devil May Cry (DMC), Dead Rising, Ace Attorney and Dragon's Dogma, through the creation of sequels, remakes and ports.5 This approach, called “nurturing,” reflects a desire to minimize risk by exploiting existing, loyal fan bases. In conditions when the budgets of AAA projects reach critical levels, reliance on recognizable names becomes the foundation for the survival of large publishing houses.2
Franchise category | Key projects (May 2026) | Status and plans |
Leading Brands | Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter | Continuous development of new number parts. |
Promising brands (Growth Drivers) | Dragon's Dogma, Dead Rising, Okami | Priority for long-term growth. |
Classic IP (Revitalization) | Devil May Cry, Ace Attorney, Mega Man | Planning of sequels and remakes. |
Iconic niche IPs | Onimusha, Dino Crisis, Breath of Fire | Monitoring community interest. |
Particular attention of analysts was attracted by the project code-named “Rec”, which, according to insiders, is a full-fledged continuation of the series Dead Rising.9 The project has been in development since at least 2023 and marks the return of Frank West as the title character. A Hollywood film studio was chosen as the setting, which allows the developers to use the satirical potential of the film industry within the framework of zombie horror.9 Success Dead Rising Deluxe Remasterserved as the catalyst for the approval of a full-fledged sequel, confirming the viability of the series in the modern gaming landscape.1
Analysis of the reliability of data on the use of AI
Contrary to claims in some news reports, Capcom's May 2026 official financial documents do not contain confirmation of the spinoff 31) Dead Rising or Devil May Cry into separate divisions specializing in artificial intelligence.6 While the industry as a whole is actively discussing the introduction of generative AI to speed up production, Capcom maintains a traditional approach to development, relying on high-quality handcraft and the expertise of its veterans.3 General industry sentiment remains skeptical, with more than half of professionals seeing the impact of AI as negative, pointing to a threat to content quality and jobs.11 Thus, information about Capcom's radical shift in focus to AI development within these franchises seems exaggerated or incorrect interpreted.
Grand Theft Auto VI Phenomenon: The Waiting Economy
May 2026 was a period of sharp escalation of rumors around Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). With the confirmed release window of November 19, 2026 approaching, every move by Rockstar Games and its parent company Take-Two Interactive is viewed through the lens of a commercial launch.
Dynamics of pre-orders and retail forecasts
In mid-May, industrial sources and data from retailers, including Best Buy, indicated a possible start of pre-orders for physical editions as early as May 18, 2026.14 Although there was no official confirmation from Rockstar, there was activity in the backend of the PlayStation Store, where the game identifiers (Title IDs) were added back in February, indicates the technical readiness of trading platforms.
