Saudi Arabia Buys Another 5% of Capcom as Resident Evil Requiem Sells 6 Million Copies

The country continues expanding its gaming investments as Capcom's hit horror franchise sees record sales.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:20pm

Resident Evil Requiem has become the fastest-selling entry in the horror franchise's history, selling 6 million copies in its first few weeks. This strong performance has not gone unnoticed, with Saudi Arabia's investment arm, the Electronic Gaming Development Company, purchasing an additional 5% stake in Capcom. This comes on top of the 5% stake the Saudi Public Investment Fund previously acquired, further expanding the country's growing gaming investments.

Why it matters

Saudi Arabia's gaming investments are part of a broader strategy to acquire cultural capital and soft power, which could be tested by the recent war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. The country's gaming acquisitions, including stakes in Capcom and other major studios, raise questions about the mixing of business and geopolitics.

The details

Resident Evil Requiem's record-breaking sales of 6 million copies in its first couple of weeks have prompted Capcom to plan ongoing support and additional game content to keep players engaged. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Electronic Gaming Development Company, an investment subsidiary under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's MiSK foundation, has purchased a new 5% stake in Capcom, adding to the 5% stake the Saudi Public Investment Fund previously acquired.

  • Resident Evil Requiem hit 6 million sales in its first couple of weeks.
  • Capcom announced plans for ongoing support and additional game content for Requiem.
  • Saudi Arabia's Electronic Gaming Development Company purchased a new 5% stake in Capcom.

The players

Capcom

A Japanese video game company known for popular franchises like Resident Evil and Street Fighter.

Electronic Gaming Development Company

An investment subsidiary under Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's MiSK foundation, responsible for the country's growing gaming investments.

Saudi Public Investment Fund

The sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which previously acquired a 5% stake in Capcom.

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What’s next

Capcom is teasing other plans ahead of the Resident Evil franchise's 30th anniversary later this month, which could include additional content or announcements related to the series.

The takeaway

Saudi Arabia's continued expansion into gaming investments, including its growing stakes in Capcom and other major studios, highlights the country's ambitions to acquire cultural capital and soft power. However, this strategy could be tested by the recent geopolitical tensions in the region, raising questions about the mixing of business and politics.