Capcom is preparing for a significant shift in the long-running Resident Evil franchise. Executive producer Jun Takeuchi recently indicated that the overarching narrative of the series could reach its conclusion within the next 10 years. This statement follows the release of Resident Evil Requiem, which serves as a pivotal moment for the 30th-anniversary celebration of the horror brand.
End of the Original Ten-Year Plan
Takeuchi described Resident Evil Requiem as the final piece of Capcom’s original ten-year strategic plan for the franchise. This initial roadmap began during the development stages of the Resident Evil 2 remake. While the company continues to produce new entries, the producer suggested that the current narrative arc is nearing its end.
In an interview with Yahoo Japan, Takeuchi stated, “I think the conclusion will come in the next 10 years.” He clarified that this timeframe does not mean the franchise will disappear immediately. Instead, it signals the end of the specific story structure and character arcs that have defined the series in recent years. Multiple new titles are expected to be released during this transition period.
Requiem and the Spencer Narrative
Resident Evil Requiem has been interpreted by many fans as a survey of the series’ history. The game reintroduces familiar characters like Leon Kennedy and revisits key moments from the past. A major focus of the game involves Oswell Spencer, the founder of the Umbrella Corporation. Spencer has been dead since Resident Evil 5, but Requiem uses flashbacks to reveal new information about his true nature.
Takeuchi confirmed that uncovering the truth about Spencer is a central theme of the current narrative phase. The upcoming remake of Code Veronica will play a crucial role in this plan. Although Code Veronica was originally released as a spinoff, the remake positions it as a main entry in the story. Takeuchi noted that the remake will adjust certain elements to align with the current canon, further integrating the game into the main timeline.
Strategic Order of Remakes
The producer also shed light on the specific order in which Capcom is releasing remakes of past titles. The Code Veronica remake is scheduled for release after the Resident Evil 4 remake, despite the original release order being reversed. Takeuchi hinted that this sequence is intentional and meaningful.
“If you play through all of them, I think you’ll realize the meaning behind the order of the remakes,” Takeuchi said. This suggests that the remakes are not just technical updates but are being curated to support the broader narrative conclusion. The strategy appears designed to guide players through a specific chronological and thematic journey before the series reaches its final chapter.
The announcement has sparked speculation about whether the series will undergo a complete reboot. Resident Evil 7 previously served as a soft reboot, reconnecting with the franchise’s roots while maintaining links to earlier games. It remains unclear if Capcom will take a similar approach or if the conclusion will simply wrap up the current continuity. For now, fans can expect a series of releases that build toward this eventual endpoint.
Source: Polygon
