'Resident Evil' Games Updated for iOS with Online DRM

TouchArcade Rating: While updates for premium mobile ports often improve optimization or compatibility, Capcom's recent update for Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Resident Evil Village on iOS and iPadOS introduces unwelcome online DRM. This DRM verifies purchase history upon game launch, requiring an internet connection to confirm ownership before accessing the title screen. Rejecting the check closes the application. This means offline play is no longer possible, a significant downgrade from the previous versions which allowed offline launching and gameplay.

Pre-update testing confirmed offline functionality. Post-update, the DRM prompt appears, and refusing it terminates the game. While this may not bother all users, the addition of always-online DRM to already-purchased titles is concerning. Ideally, Capcom should implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps checking less frequently. This update negatively impacts the recommendation of these premium ports.

For those yet to purchase, free trials are available. Download Resident Evil 7 biohazard on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Find Resident Evil 4 Remake on the App Store here and Resident Evil Village here. Read my reviews here, here, and here. Do you own these Resident Evil titles on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?