Capcom reveals plans to start an esports academy

On Friday, Capcom released its latest Investor Relations Report, which gave a breakdown of their consolidated business results for the year ended March 31, 2020, including their future outlook.

The developer is no stranger to esports as they launched Capcom Pro Tour in 2014 and, more recently, the Street Fighter League. These offerings are focused on one title at a time (currently Street Fighter V). Still, according to the report, the company intends to expand its focus on esports, which could (hopefully) include a wider variety of titles.

“Further, the Company sees esports as an integral part of its future growth strategy and is working to consolidate its position in this expanding market with upfront capital allocation and investments in human resources,” stated the report. Capcom added that “it plans to found the Esports Academy (tentative name) for training professional players as well as to establish regional teams and leagues for female players.”

Capcom’s new endeavor looks to train esports players, increase the scope of its tournaments, and in particular, give female gamers more opportunities to compete. Although esports is a male-dominated space, some women have excelled in it. Marie-Laure "Kayane" Norindr and Ricki Ortiz are examples of such players, and Capcom’s new endeavor will undoubtedly serve to increase the number of women that will be able to compete on the same level as these women.

No timeline or specific programs were mentioned, but we could likely start hearing of their new esports plans before the year ends.