Why Capcom Is Selling a AAA Game for Just $1.49, and What It Says About Gaming’s Value Problem

For 24 hours, Capcom is offering one of its AAA titles for a price that feels almost like a mistake: $1.49. The deal, which runs until August 3 at 12 PM EST on Steam, applies to Resident Evil: Revelations 2, a game that has never been cheaper on any platform. While this might seem like a simple promotional stunt, it raises bigger questions about how we value digital art, the economics of gaming, and what happens when a franchise leaves some of its chapters behind.

The Deal That’s Too Good to Ignore

Capcom has slashed the price of Resident Evil: Revelations 2 to $1.49, a 75% discount from its base price. The first Revelations game is also on sale for $4.99, but the second entry is the real steal. For context, this is the cheapest the game has ever been on any platform, including consoles. But the deal is limited to PC and Steam Deck users, leaving console players out of the loop.

This kind of pricing is rare for a AAA title, even one that’s nearly a decade old. It reflects a broader trend in digital marketplaces where older games are sold for pennies to keep them in circulation, often at the expense of their perceived value. For a company like Capcom, which has built a reputation on premium pricing for its flagship Resident Evil remakes, this sale feels like an admission that some titles just don’t command the same respect.

The Forgotten Games of a Legendary Series

Both Resident Evil: Revelations games are canon, but they’ve been largely overlooked by fans. The first game, released in 2012 as a Nintendo 3DS exclusive, stars Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield and takes place shortly after Resident Evil 4. It earned an 82 on Metacritic, but its handheld origins limited its scope and design. The sequel, Revelations 2, came out in 2015 and follows Claire Redfield and Barry Burton (the latter playable for the first time in the main series). It scored in the mid-70s, a disappointment by the series’ high standards.

Despite selling millions, the Revelations series never got a third installment. That’s not because they’re bad games. In a vacuum, they’re solid survival-horror experiences. But in a franchise that includes masterpieces like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Resident Evil 4 (2023), they’re often treated as afterthoughts. This sale is a reminder that even successful franchises have their forgotten corners, and that the market sometimes treats those corners as disposable.

What This Sale Says About Gaming’s Value Problem

At $1.49, Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is effectively a giveaway. But that price tag also reflects a troubling dynamic: the devaluation of older digital content. In a world where streaming services and digital storefronts constantly discount games, we risk treating them as commodities rather than creative works. For a series that has been revitalized by high-budget remakes, the Revelations games are unlikely to get the same treatment anytime soon. As one fan noted, “If you’re holding out for remakes, you’ll be waiting many years, assuming they happen at all.”

This isn’t just about one game. It’s about how we decide what’s worth preserving in our cultural history. The Revelations games are important stepping stones in the Resident Evil timeline, yet they’re sold for pocket change. That’s a choice, and it’s one that prioritizes short-term sales over long-term appreciation.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Deal

Is this deal available on consoles?

No. The $1.49 price is exclusive to Steam, which means it’s only for PC and Steam Deck users. Console players will have to pay full price or wait for a different sale.

Are the Revelations games worth playing?

Yes, especially for hardcore Resident Evil fans. They’re not the best in the series, but they offer solid survival-horror gameplay and important story connections. At $1.49, it’s hard to go wrong.

Why didn’t Capcom make a Revelations 3?

The second game’s mixed reception likely played a role. While it sold well, it didn’t meet the series’ high standards. Capcom has since focused on remakes and mainline entries, leaving the Revelations series on hold.

Photo: Comicbook