25 Years of Ace Attorney: Capcom Celebrates 5 Million Trilogy Sales, But Sequel Remains a Mystery

Capcom has achieved a new milestone for the Ace Attorney franchise. Coinciding with its 25th-anniversary celebration on October 12, the Japanese company announced that the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy compilation has surpassed 5 million copies sold worldwide. This figure was revealed via Capcom's official Bluesky account, solidifying the trilogy's position as one of the most successful portfolios in the visual novel segment.

While impressive, this achievement doesn't immediately answer the big question fans have been waiting for: when will the next Ace Attorney game be released? To date, Capcom has given no indication of any sequel projects, either for the main series or spin-offs. This situation contrasts with anniversary celebrations that typically feature new product announcements.

As part of the celebration, Capcom also released new artwork created by Kazuya Nuri and Takuro Fuse. However, for a community long awaiting the continuation of Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice, or Miles Edgeworth's stories, this moment feels bittersweet. The last game featuring these main characters was Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice, released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016.

Compared to other Capcom giant franchises like Monster Hunter: World or the Resident Evil 2 remake, 5 million might seem small. However, for a niche courtroom visual novel game, this achievement is commendable. This success is largely due to the dedication of a solid fan community, which Capcom has supported for years by re-releasing almost all titles in the series on modern platforms.

On the other hand, the absence of new game announcements has fueled speculation. Some industry observers believe Capcom is focusing on its larger portfolio, while others suspect an internal team is working on a secret project. However, without official confirmation, everything remains mere conjecture. What is clear is that fans in the West have been waiting for over a decade since the last release of Spirit of Justice in North America.

"We deeply appreciate the fans' support over 25 years, and this achievement is clear proof. However, we cannot yet reveal future plans for the series," said a Capcom representative in a written statement, as quoted from a press release.

For the Indonesian market, the Ace Attorney phenomenon reflects the significant potential of narrative games in Southeast Asia. While not as popular as action or battle royale genres, visual novels have a loyal fanbase, especially among gamers who prioritize story and puzzles. The trilogy's presence on modern platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC has also opened access for Indonesian players to legally experience the legendary franchise.

Furthermore, Capcom's success in nurturing older franchises can serve as a lesson for local developers. Amidst the onslaught of live service games, bringing back classic titles with good remaster quality has proven profitable. The Indonesian government itself is encouraging the national game industry through various incentives, and a portfolio business model like Capcom's can be an inspiration.

Looking ahead, the big question is whether Capcom will announce a new Ace Attorney game soon, or continue to rely on re-releases to keep the franchise alive. At a quarter-century old, it's reasonable for fans to expect more than just artwork and sales figures. Can Capcom meet these expectations, or must we wait patiently until the next anniversary?