Capcom revealed that during the early stages of development for Resident Evil Requiem, they tested prototypes for an online and open-world game. However, they eventually changed direction and opted for a more traditional gameplay formula to avoid disappointing the fans.
This information came from a developer diary video, available exclusively on the official Resident Evil 9 portal for users registered with a Capcom ID. In the video, director Koshi Nakanishi confirmed that some of the rumors circulating in recent years—suggesting that a main entry in the series would focus on online play—were partially true.
Nakanishi added that the tests conducted on these prototypes had shown positive results, but a completely online game or one structured like an open world would likely not appeal to the audience.
Nakanishi stated:
You might have heard some of the rumours, things like an online Resident Evil or an open world Resident Evil, which we spent some time experimenting with. But in the end, although we had some interesting concepts, we realised that it wasn’t what fans wanted to see or play. So we went back to the drawing board and created what led to Resident Evil Requiem.
From the first footage shown and details shared by Capcom, Resident Evil 9 will follow a traditional gameplay style, or at least a natural progression of the previous games.
We’ll learn more about the game at Gamescom 2025, at the end of August, where the game will be featured with a playable demo for the public.
Resident Evil Requiem will be released on February 27, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
