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Capcom has recently highlighted the importance of its animation team within the company, revealing that nearly half of its developers are dedicated animators. This insight came during a Q&A session with shareholders, where Capcom acknowledged the pressing need for more animators to meet the demands of their upcoming projects.
Current workforce and recruitment goals
As of March 2025, Capcom’s workforce includes 2,846 developers, with over 1,400 of them specializing in animation. This substantial number indicates how integral animation is to Capcom’s game development process, affecting everything from character movement to visual effects. Despite this large group, the company feels the pressure of an expanding project list and is actively seeking to bolster its animation staff.
Capcom’s commitment to enhancing its recruitment efforts is evident. The company is not just looking to hire more animators; it’s also acquiring animation and visual production companies to strengthen its capabilities. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring that their games maintain the high-quality animation standards that fans have come to expect.
Recent advancements in animation technology
Capcom’s animation quality has been widely praised, particularly in titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and the recently revived Pragmata. In 2023, the company established a new Creative Studio boasting 150 cameras, including cutting-edge high-resolution equipment, within one of Japan’s largest motion capture studios. This facility measures 11m x 15m x 5m and integrates seamlessly with Capcom’s proprietary engine, the Re Engine.
One notable acquisition is Swordcanes Studio, recognized for its expertise in video production and animation. This acquisition is part of Capcom’s broader strategy to enhance its animation capabilities and keep pace with industry demands.
The animation crisis in Japan
Japan is currently facing a significant animation crisis, marked by a shortage of highly qualified animators, a situation that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage poses challenges not only for the anime industry but also for the gaming sector, which has a considerable need for skilled animators.
Capcom’s proactive approach to recruitment and investment in animation technology serves as a critical response to these challenges. By expanding their team and resources, the company aims to not only fill the gaps left by the industry-wide shortage but also to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming animation.
Conclusion: The future of Capcom’s animation
As Capcom continues to expand its animation team and invest in new technologies, it is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of today’s gaming landscape. The steps they are taking could very well set new standards in animation quality within the industry, ensuring that their titles remain competitive and appealing to fans worldwide.