Devil May Cry 5 Revived Thanks to Netflix Anime Adaptation

Six years after its initial March 2019 launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, Devil May Cry 5 achieved a significant milestone, surpassing a remarkable 10 million units sold. Specifically, Capcom credited the recent release of the Netflix anime adaptation as a contributing factor that helped push DMC5 past this sales threshold. Consequently, the studio’s portfolio continues to expand as the game has been solidified as a major blockbuster. With the Netflix series finding success on the platform, does this cross-media synergy represent a reliable strategy for revitalizing catalog titles years after launch?

Capcom’s Top 10: Devil May Cry 5 Reigns

The popularity of the Netflix series further demonstrates the exceptional longevity of DMC5 beyond its initial release window. Given its widespread acclaim upon launch, both fans and critics praised its intense combat and engaging narrative. Additionally, IGN’s review praises the trio of outstanding combat styles for setting a new high bar for the series while maintaining an intriguing, mysterious story. Furthermore, Capcom credited the game’s core strength as the reason for its sustained success.

With DMC5‘s exceptional gameplay experience garnering strong user support, its catalog sales have expanded consistently over the years. As a result, the game not only stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring appeal but also to the studio’s effective post-launch support strategies. Moreover, persistent player engagement and strategic multimedia extensions helped it achieve elite commercial status within the character action genre. Ultimately, the company’s success demonstrates the value of maintaining high-quality experiences that continue to attract new players long after the initial hype cycle ends.

DMC5‘s 10M: When’s Devil May Cry 6?

DMC5 reached a milestone significantly aided by Capcom’s strategic “Single Content Multiple Usage” approach, surpassing 10 million cumulative sales worldwide. Post launch, the company enhanced the game’s story and action elements, notably introducing a new playable character. Implementing this strategy beyond gaming, it released the critically acclaimed Devil May Cry animated series on Netflix on April 3, 2025. That said, the franchise has exceeded 33 million total units sold since its start in 2001. So, given the game’s remarkable longevity, does this success virtually guarantee the imminent greenlighting or development of Devil May Cry 6?

Alongside DMC5‘s success, the Netflix series itself achieved substantial global impact, garnering critical praise and attracting over 5.3 million views. The series not only ranked fourth globally in Netflix’s “Shows | English” category during its debut week, but it also maintained a top 10 position in Japan for seven consecutive days. According to Capcom, two key factors are attributed to the game’s resurgence and its ultimate sales milestone. These factors include:

• The inherently exhilarating action experience of DMC5 itself.
• The efforts to expand brand awareness through transmedia adaptations, like the television series.

Furthermore, DMC5‘s achievement shows just how effective leveraging popular IP across multiple entertainment formats is in revitalizing catalog titles. This approach drives sustained commercial performance years after their initial release, while solidifying the game’s status as a modern classic within the character action genre. Altogether, these factors inevitably fuel speculation about the series’ future. However, Capcom has maintained silence regarding future projects in the franchise, focusing instead on its substantial existing development commitments.

Devil May Cry 5 Proves Transmedia Dominance

That said, the company actively supports major ongoing titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Street Fighter 6 and is preparing for imminent releases, including the recently announced Resident Evil: Requiem and the re-revealed Pragmata. In addition to DMC5 outperforming every previous series entry commercially, the game has secured a position within Capcom’s prestigious all-time top 10 best-selling titles list. This unprecedented franchise success and its proven long-term sales power may lead to the company allocating resources to develop Devil May Cry 6 amidst its crowded and demanding release schedule.

Despite the current absence of official announcements, DMC5‘s commercial dominance has undeniably established a compelling case for continuing the franchise. As a result, industry observers and fans widely anticipate Dante’s eventual return. However, for this highly anticipated sequel to become a priority for the company, fans need more information regarding its development timeline rather than its eventual existence. Ultimately, the sustained success of its predecessor makes a follow-up virtually inevitable within Capcom’s strategic planning, making a planned sequel release a question of “when” rather than “if.”