Video game developer and publisher Capcom recently revealed the company has an internal quota to increase the percentage of female managers employed at the company and it is considering hiring non-Japanese directors.
A screenshot from Devil May Cry 5 (2019), Capcom
If you are unfamiliar with Capcom, the company develops and publishes a number of popular games and IPs including Dragon’s Dogma, Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, Mega Man, Street Fighter, Commando, and more.
The company’s CEO and Chairman Kenzo Tsujimoto also made it clear the company was committed to ESG in a letter from November 2021. As part of the letter, he noted, “I believe that building a healthy relationship with stakeholders through business activities leads to improved corporate value. Therefore, focusing particularly on “S ” (social) and “G ” (corporate governance) of ESG, I recognize our critical issues as (1) developer numbers, (2) diversity, (3) support for education, and (4) the ratio of external directors. We will continue to promote ESG initiatives based on the SDG goals of creating a sustainable society and strive for sustainable growth while building a relationship of trust with our stakeholders.”
A screenshot from Dragon’s Dogma II (2024), Capcom
This commitment to ESG surfaced during the company’s 45th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, which took place at the end of June. A shareholder questioned, “You’ve submitted a female candidate for external director, however all your internal directors are male. Please tell me what you are doing to increase the ratio of female managers internally.”
The company responded, “Regarding diversity of our board of directors, we select director candidates who are able to oversee management of the company and offer appropriate advice, while considering the skills and characteristics required in accordance with our management strategy, and the balance of each individual’s career history, insight, and experience.”
A screenshot from Resident Evil 5 (2009), Capcom
However, the company then noted, “Also note that, while our internal directors are currently all male, in addition to women, going forward we will also consider non-Japanese directors.”
“Regarding female managers, currently 21.2% of employees are female and 13.6% of our core talent is female. We are aiming to bring the percentage of female managers up to 15%. Looking ahead, we believe we will be able to see more female directors by broadening our scope and increasing the ratio of female managers,” Capcom concluded.
A screenshot from SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC CHAOS (2024), Code Mystics
Given Tsujimoto’s commitment to ESG these comments from the company are not at all surprising. Furthermore, the Capcom Localization Team on X also made it clear how committed the company is to ESG and DEI tactics and ideas.
It posted to X back in April, “What is localization? Embark on a global adventure through the lens of game localization! Beyond mere translation, we’re diving into the art of cultural adaptation, preserving context, and inclusive storytelling. Join us as we unravel the intricacies that make games resonate worldwide.”
The account added, “Localization isn’t just about translating words; it’s about adapting the game for a global audience. Think cultural nuances, idioms, and regional flair. A good localization makes players feel right at home, wherever in the world they are!”
Capcom Localization Team on X
Next, they stated, “Lost in Translation? Nah! Preserving the vibe is key. Jokes, references, and even gameplay elements might need a little cultural remix. It’s important to find that sweet spot to make sure players get the intended experience without feeling like something got lost in the process.”
“Each language has its unique structure and cultural context. Our teams work to ensure the narrative and dialogue maintain coherence and emotional impact. It’s not just about words; it’s about capturing the essence of the story in a way that resonates with the target audience,” the Capcom Localization Team wrote.
Capcom Localization Team on X
READ: ‘SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC CHAOS’ Features Trigger Warning And A Censored Poster
The team then announced it was making changes due to “cultural sensitivity” in characters and “inclusive language and representation.”
For cultural sensitivity in characters the company wrote, “Character design and development must be culturally sensitive. What may be acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another. Localizers play a crucial role in ensuring that characters are relatable and respectful, avoiding stereotypes or other references that could be perceived as negative in specific cultures.”
As for inclusive language and representation it said, “Localization efforts extend to promoting inclusivity through language and representation. This involves adapting not only the linguistic aspects but also addressing gender-specific language, cultural norms, and diverse perspectives. The aim is to create an immersive experience where players from different backgrounds can identify with the characters and narrative. This can be very challenging for certain languages due to grammar.”
Capcom Localization Team on X
Capcom continued the post, “Humor often relies on cultural references and wordplay, making it a challenging aspect of game localization. Translators must carefully navigate puns, jokes, and cultural references to maintain the intended comedic effect. This requires a deep understanding of the target audience’s sense of humor while staying true to the original wit.”
The post concludes with “Consistency in Terminology.” The section reads, “Maintaining consistency in terminology is crucial for a smooth and coherent gaming experience. This applies not only to translating words but also to ensuring that game mechanics, instructions, and lore are consistently represented across languages. Establishing a cohesive language system helps prevent confusion and enhances the overall gaming experience for players worldwide.”
Capcom Localization Team on X
These commitments appear to have negatively impacted a number of the game’s the company has worked on. Most recently a trigger warning was added to SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC CHAOS.
The trigger warning reads, “This product aims to faithfully recreate the content of the original game at the time of release in 2003 as much as possible. Therefore, the content of this game does not represent the ideals of our company, but is provided as is, respecting the original intent of the game, and is not intended to promote or attack any particular ideology or group.”
SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC CHAOS disclaimer on Bootup.
I understand having these disclaimers is better than censoring content (not that it prevents it)
But being ashamed of what you created in the past never inspires confidence when you want to sell it to us in the same breath. pic.twitter.com/NoLSdWL4NX
— Yogensha (@YOG3NSHA) July 20, 2024
On top of the trigger warning a piece of key art was also censored that showed less cleavage on the character of Mai Shiranui and cropped out Goddess Athena Asamiya, who is wearing a bikini.
A trigger warning alongside censoring key artwork? We saw a very similar warning on the Tomb Raider collection where they PROMISED to not censor content yet they did. 🚩🚩🚩 https://t.co/IOSmLxiYz3 pic.twitter.com/C5k51O9bVM
— Vara Dark (@Vara_Dark) July 21, 2024
It’s unclear whether the trigger warning was done by Capcom or SNK. The game’s developer Code Mystics made it clear they had nothing to do with either.
On top of the censorship and trigger warning in SNK VS. CAPCOM SVC Chaos, Capcom race-swapped the character of Larry Chiang in the upcoming Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. It’s unclear why this change was made, but X user Pirat_Nation speculated it was “likely due to racial stereotype.”
Capcom’s Dead Rising Remake Race Swaps Psychopath Boss “Larry Chiang” From Asian to White Likely Due to Racial Stereotype pic.twitter.com/RivVu8aeuE
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) July 5, 2024
What do you make of Capcom admitting they have an internal quota for female managers and are contemplating hiring non-Japanese individuals as directors?
NEXT: IGN Turns Off Comments After Demanding ‘Resident Evil 5’ Race-Swap Protagonist For Possible Remake
