*note this is not a real GTM deck for Devil May Cry or Capcom. This is created purely as an example of strategic thinking. Any similarities to upcoming games are purely concidence
Marketing Strategy and Franchise Narrative
- A mysterious woman enters the Devil May Cry shop and attacks Dante to test his skills. An impeding demon known as Mundus is coming to destroy the human world. He is a demon that Dante’s father sealed in the past and is now coming for his revenge. Can Dante gain the strength to defeat Mundus and the demon army that he is bringing to destroy the human world? Play as Dante, a cool Devil Hunter, as he journeys into the Demon World to face off against demons, gain awesome weapons, and save the world!
- Tie to upcoming Headlining event or Capcom showcase during the Summer time period. Ex: Tokyo Game Show
- Teaser: Return to the game started this epic franchise. Showcase descending order from DMC5 ->DMC4 ->DMC3-> DMC2 ->DMC1
Why remake Devil May Cry 1?
The Devil May Cry franchise has become one of biggest hallmark. With the popularity of the new Devil May Cry Netflix show and the massive success of Devil May Cry 5 (over 10 million units sold) means fans are very invested in the series. With the original game being a PS2 title, a remake 3 generations later would appeal to newer and older fans of Devil May Cry. source: https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e250613.html
What was great about Devil May Cry 1 to consumers? What category is it?
Devil May Cry is one of the original character action games (Bayonetta, Nier Automata, Metal Gear Rising: Revengence). There were many weapons, fun bosses, fun gameplay, and interesting character designs. The combo style systems have become more popular than ever. In addition, the world and level layouts are similar to Resident Evil which is a popular franchise. The Story is easy to understand and introduces Dante and Trish to players although the personality traits become more defined in later titles.
Target Audience
| Devil May Cry Fans | Action Player Fans | Fans of the Show | |
| Psychographic | – Fans want a new DMC experience – DMC 1 is an old game and would like a modern version of the game – More DMC games | -People want a more active game that requires more focus but wants a single player experience – More skill combat type of game where they can express themselves | – Fans want to experience the games after watching the show – Playing a modern version of DMC1 with an easier experience than the PS2 original |
| Demographic | – Millennials and Boomers who started the franchise from the PS2 era – Male: 80% Females: 20% | – Primarily male demographic | – Male and female fans of the show |
| Behavioral | – highly engaged with video games – Buys merchandise or similar games to DMC – Most likely X and YouTube | – highly engaged with video games – Most likely X and YouTube – More likely to share their content with others | – likely to game once a week – Listens to metal music – More often using Instagram and Tiktok |
| Comp Titles | – Monster Hunter – Final Fantasy – Dark Souls | – Street Fighter – Guilty Gear – Sekiro – Elden Ring | – ZZZ |
What can be improved for the remake?
The fixed camera angles should be fixed for a more free movement camera similar to Devil May Cry 5 and 4. Players would often have difficulties fighting enemies when the perspective would change suddenly. We can also increase the weapon changing speed. The Devil Trigger form can also be added into the original game as it was not the same color scheme but rather weapon based. With the story more defined later, it can add more clearer connections to later series.
Strengths
- Devil May Cry is an incredible popular and more relevant than ever thanks to the anime and DMC5.
- Character actions are more common so it’s easier for newcomers to try out the game
- Easier to remake a title than a new DMC now that Itsuno has left
- https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/interviews/devil-may-cry-dragons-dogma-director-hideaki-itsuno-explains-why-he-left-capcom-and-whats-next/
Weakness
- The story is lacking in comparison to the later series
- Experienced players may finish the game too quickly. Some people will not want to pay full price since the game is short
- Story structure may be confusing as DMC 3 is the starting point
Opportunity
- If it sells well, perhaps we can remake the other PS2 Devil May Cry games
- Continue to build a strong IP for Capcom
Threats
- Depending on the price, people may avoid purchasing the title
- People expect a slower price for Devil May Cry now that the titles are older
Marketing Challenges and Mitigations
- Core fans may not want to return to DMC 1 as it’s more sparse than current modern DMC 5/ Ensure fans that there is more content than the original PS2 version
- DMC1 is available on all consoles, why would they buy a remake? Market new features and QoL improvements for the game itself
- Fans of the show may find the game too difficult to enter/ market accessibility features that ease the game/skill barrier
- Fans of the story may not want to start on DMC 1/ Ensure story beats are connected more to the franchise than the original DMC1 now that the story is more streamlined
THANK YOU!