The future of Devil May Cry appears uncertain following the departure of its longtime director, Hideaki Itsuno, after more than three decades with Capcom. Yet, despite this significant change, there are strong indications that a new installment in the series could still be on the horizon. Let's delve into why we believe a Devil May Cry 6 is not only possible but highly probable.
Devil May Cry's storied history has been closely tied to Hideaki Itsuno, who directed the critically acclaimed DMC 3, 4, and 5. His recent departure from Capcom after over 30 years has sparked speculation about the future of the franchise. However, the likelihood of a Devil May Cry 6 remains high, and it's possible that development is already underway, albeit without Itsuno's direct involvement.
The Devil May Cry series has experienced its share of highs and lows. Originally conceived as a Resident Evil game, the first title became a surprise hit. The second game, which Itsuno was brought in to salvage, is often considered a misstep, but he redeemed himself with the acclaimed DMC3. The troubled development of DMC4 was later addressed with the Special Edition, and after the controversial DmC reboot, DMC5 restored the series' reputation and commercial success.
While Itsuno's exit might seem like a setback, Devil May Cry remains one of Capcom's most popular and beloved franchises. With the massive success and resurgence following DMC5 and its Special Edition, which introduced Vergil and his iconic theme song 'Bury the Light' to a broader audience, Capcom would be remiss not to continue the series. 'Bury the Light' has garnered over 110 million plays on Spotify and an unofficial YouTube video has amassed 132 million views, underscoring the song's—and the series'—cultural impact.
The franchise is also expanding its reach with an animated series on Netflix, featuring the charismatic Dante and his signature blend of swordplay and gunplay. This move to mainstream media further solidifies the series' enduring appeal and potential for future installments.In conclusion, despite the departure of a key figure like Itsuno, the strong fanbase, recent successes, and ongoing media expansions make a compelling case for the development of Devil May Cry 6. Capcom's history of resilience and innovation in the face of challenges suggests that the saga of Dante and his demon-hunting adventures is far from over.