Resident Evil Requiem: A Return to Survival Horror

Resident Evil Requiem, the upcoming title from Capcom, is set to launch on February 27, 2026. The game marks a significant return to the survival horror roots of the franchise, focusing on a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who is the daughter of Alyssa from the earlier Resident Evil titles. The narrative will explore themes of horror and survival, as players navigate through familiar yet terrifying environments, including a reimagined Raccoon City.

“You’re Seeing The Next Chapter In The Overall Storyline”: Resident Evil Requiem's Director And Producer Discuss Returning To Raccoon City, Lessons From The Past, And The Mysterious Hooded Figure

Director Koshi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa have acknowledged the challenges of creating a horror game after years of development, admitting that they have become desensitized to the scares they designed. Nakanishi stated, “We don’t know if something’s scary anymore,” emphasizing the need for external playtesting to gauge the game's effectiveness in delivering horror. The team aims to swing the gameplay style back towards the survival horror elements reminiscent of Resident Evil 2, moving away from the action-heavy approach seen in Resident Evil Village.

Capcom says Resident Evil: Requiem is "almost an upgrade" of Resident Evil 2 horror but the devs honestly aren't sure what's scary anymore: "We've made so many of these that we can't tell"

Resident Evil Requiem is designed to emphasize resource management and exploration over constant action. Nakanishi explained that the game will feature intense bursts of combat but will primarily focus on creating a sense of vulnerability, where every bullet and healing item counts. This approach aims to enhance the horror experience, making players feel more like survivors than action heroes.

Resident Evil Requiem Developers Can't Tell If The Game Is Scary Or Not Anymore

At recent showcases, developers noted differing player preferences based on cultural backgrounds. Japanese players tended to favor a third-person perspective, while Western players leaned towards first-person gameplay. Nakanishi speculated that these preferences stem from the different gaming histories in these regions, with Japanese gamers often engaging with third-person RPGs, while Western players have a background in first-person shooters.

Resident Evil Requiem devs notice Japanese players are more likely to play in third person, Westerners in first person

The anticipation surrounding Resident Evil Requiem has led to rampant speculation, particularly regarding the potential return of fan-favorite characters like Leon Kennedy. Kumazawa urged fans to temper their expectations, stating, “Let’s calm down a bit – what we’ve shown you so far is everything we can say.” This highlights the tension between fan expectations and the developers' intentions to introduce new elements and characters.

As Leon rumors continue to follow Resident Evil Requiem around, producer says fans should "calm down a bit" as "even though we didn't promise things," players become "frustrated"

Nakanishi expressed enthusiasm for the competitive landscape of survival horror, particularly in light of the recent success of Konami's Silent Hill f. He stated, “Competition is what keeps everyone on their toes in a given genre,” indicating that the presence of other titles can drive innovation and quality within the industry.

Resident Evil Requiem director admits "I really want to buy Silent Hill f" and welcomes the competition in the horror space as it "keeps everyone on their toes"

As Resident Evil Requiem approaches its release, it promises to blend nostalgia with fresh gameplay mechanics, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. With its focus on survival horror and a new narrative direction, the game aims to reinvigorate the franchise while navigating the challenges of modern gaming expectations.

Resident Evil: Requiem developers admit they can’t tell if their new horror game is actually scary anymore