Joystiq

In its annual report to investors, Capcom makes it clear that there's money in them thar overseas markets, and it intends to seek it out.

Stating that "overseas markets account for a staggering 80% of the current video game market," the publisher outlined an overall strategy that involves further partnerships with and "friendly acquisitions" of more external developers, particularly those based outside of Japan (sales in which, according to its figures, account for $4.3 billion in sales per year versus North America's $10 billion and Europe's $9.9 billion). One current example: Airtight Games, which is developing Dark Void (pictured above) for Capcom in the West.

Capcom's head of R&D – and Mega Man creator – Keiji Inafune says, "There are many independent developers overseas with genius development capabilities," and that, "Collaborating with these developed will firmly establish our position as 'Capcom of the world' and further strengthen the title brand." Capcom sees sports titles as a particularly strong market segment worldwide, and, to that end, Inafune says that "collaborating with companies with an already established record for developing sport-related games" will be key.

While Capcom is seeking to expand Westward via overseas developers, EA – which has partnered with No More Heroes creator Goichi "Suda 51" Suda on a new action-horror title – recently made clear its intention to tap further into the Japanese development pool in order to bolster its worldwide sales and diversify its title lineup.

[Via Shacknews]