GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Resident Evil reboot possible

Capcom producer Masachika Kawata says rebooting the long-running series is possible, but not until "a lot of decisions" are made.

698 Comments

A Resident Evil reboot is possible, according to Capcom producer Masachika Kawata. Speaking to Eurogamer, the designer was asked if Capcom would consider changing up the series formula--perhaps making it open-world--after the polarizing reception of Resident Evil 6, to which the idea of a reboot was mentioned.

No Caption Provided

"If we did [go with an open-world], we would want to preserve what Resident Evil is and what makes it appealing to fans, while also making it accessible to new players. It would almost entail having a slight reboot to get the series into a place where it would work with open-world gameplay," he said. "That's just a personal opinion."

"A lot of decisions would have to be taken before something like that is done to the series, but it is something that…" he added. "There is a possibility."

Kawata is currently working on the recently announced Resident Evil: Revelations port for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U, due out in May. He said the reception to this game will impact the direction Capcom heads in the future with regard to Resident Evil.

"Once we see Revelations released on consoles, we'll be looking very carefully at how the title is received and what feedback we get," he said. "I think we'll get a lot of input from the fanbase and the media on what it means for Resident Evil, and what it could mean for the future of the series. We'll definitely be looking at that as a signpost for where we need to be going next."

One possibility for the future of Resident Evil, Kawata said, is for Capcom to place greater focus on the horror component, making "something scarier than we have already."

Capcom has previously said a Resident Evil 2 remake is possible with enough fan support.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 698 comments about this story
698 Comments  RefreshSorted By 
GameSpot has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to toxic conduct in comments. Any abusive, racist, sexist, threatening, bullying, vulgar, and otherwise objectionable behavior will result in moderation and/or account termination. Please keep your discussion civil.

Avatar image for l_pochi_l
l_pochi_l

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

My Resident Evil series died after Resident Evil 3. Some people claim RE4 was the best but I believe that's the origin of Capcom's failure (esp. Plaga). RE4 was good but they should've not release it under the main storyline of Resident Evil. Predecessor RE5, RE6 are definitely failure copies of RE4; Capcom gave too much super abilities to main characters and turned game from Survival Horror to Survival Action.

If they are only targeting for mass, then they should keep doing what they are doing right now but the game value depreciate in short time (RE6: $59.99 - $39.99 in just 3 months LOL) then Capcom require to spam bunch of small Add-ons to cover up losses. They should definitely need to spend some time to develop next RE. Core Resident Evil fans are getting tired and out of patient.

If they are really thinking about rebooting Resident Evil, I think open world style is good consideration. RE4, RE5, RE6 storylines are so linear and way too scripted. I would love to see Resident Evil in massive map like Fallout series and Skyrim series. It would be very interesting if PC version of open-world RE is moddable like Bethesda games and Capcom officially support mods.

Lastly, Capcom, please stop adding bunch of short movies, cut scenes, and button smashing crap in the next Resident Evil series... people are tired of those "Hollywood Style Visual Effects" and smashing buttons... all the cut scenes give us too much information and game turns out very very very predictable...

Upvote • 
Avatar image for sweetSWA99ER
sweetSWA99ER

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

- Bill Cosby

Capcom, that was your mistake with RE6.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ALLIAMOS
ALLIAMOS

751

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

old camera and amazing graphics,

i think its better to mix the camera style ,mix RE clasic camera style and the new style camera like re4

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ALLIAMOS
ALLIAMOS

751

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

graphics,

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ALLIAMOS
ALLIAMOS

751

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

old camera and amazing graphics,

i think its better to mix the camera style ,mix RE clasic camera style and the new style camera like re4

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ALLIAMOS
ALLIAMOS

751

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

we need re 1,re 0,re 2, re 3 re Cv ,re 2,re 2,re 2 re 2 remak with many stupid zombie.

no open world .

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Graze90_Z
Graze90_Z

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

well the game needs a reboot but keep it under 3 titles or it will lose the elements of surprises

Upvote • 
Avatar image for AzatiS
AzatiS

14969

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

Edited By AzatiS

When 9 out of 10 resident evil fans BEGGING for a Resident evil 2 remake or something similar for more than 4 - 5 years now ( after RE4 fiasco then RE5 fail and RE6 epic fail ) on official capcom forums and not only ....

They still need to wait for players feedback in order to understand which is the best direction to take in order to revive RE series ? Unbeleivable...


Crapcom...

Upvote • 
Avatar image for LunaVertigo
LunaVertigo

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By LunaVertigo

Honestly, they just need to produce a game with the same initial theme they had in the first three instalments. I just stopped caring after RE4 simply because the fear aspect was no longer applied and continued with unrealistic weaponry and random accounts of zombie infections that were not likely possible. I miss the feeling of fear when you had to enter a new room, concerned about whether or not a zombie would await you; the interactive dialog with the doors and people's notes, also the ambient sounds and creepy music that made me on edge. It's not too late, the series can be revived if they just payed attention. What destroyed them was their attempt to appeal to a new audience.

2 • 
Avatar image for ithual
ithual

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By ithual

Resident Evil on Gamecube was the way it should be. These new 3rd person style Resi games are not the same. The series has only died since they changed the formula. I miss the exploration and the puzzles. I actually enjoyed back-tracking, spending most of the game in one mansion. As a guy who grew up with Alone in the Dark, Resident Evil when first released on Playstation was the game I've always waited for, and each instalment had me running to the shops. Since part 4 I just don't care anymore. Please Capcom, listen to your fans... reset Resident Evil to how it used to be. Make some games that fill in the 10 year gap of Code Veronica and Resi 4.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for bannermanner
bannermanner

484

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Put the old girl out of her misery, Capcom. This series is no longer salvageable. Move on to something new.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for mischiefmeerkat
mischiefmeerkat

150

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By mischiefmeerkat

at this point it doesn't even need a reboot. it just needs to be put to rest. How long does this story need to be dragged out? it's over. Reboot dino crisis or something instead

2 • 
Avatar image for StarkJJ
StarkJJ

534

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I say "no" to open world. Use the tried and true formula and make it even scarier.

3 • 
Avatar image for deactivated-67d8f0731cf6c
deactivated-67d8f0731cf6c

26

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Whatever path they take I'll support RE wholeheartedly

2 • 
Avatar image for vallan2
vallan2

200

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Personally, what made RE so good for me was the non-linear exploration of the mansions and the interconnectedness of the rooms. I mean, how many different ways could you go to get to a different room, with their own creepy crawlies inside and not knowing whether or not what was in that room was going to kill you? it made the whole survival aspect more real, and just walking into a whole room of zombies or mutant dogs while your heart monitor ominously flashes a deep red makes me nervous. Bring that fear back!

5 • 
Avatar image for davehodson
davehodson

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

they need to take a good look at the sales over the years... resident evil 1 amazing so was 2 and 3, and code veronica even resident evil 0 and i have to say 4 was good but 5 personally they should go back to the old ways its the only choice capcom have or they will destroy it..

2 • 
Avatar image for kabloe
kabloe

346

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

[quote]"If we did [go with an open-world], we would want to preserve what Resident Evil is and what makes it appealing to fans, while also making it accessible to new players."[/quote]

am wrong or they didn't learn from their mistake... making the game accessible to new players is what make RE6 failed!

2 • 
Avatar image for Chris-Parker
Chris-Parker

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

Edited By Chris-Parker

Personally I think it's time Capcom went back to square one with the series. Maybe a total remake of the first one should be considered. Just imagine how eerie they could make the dark damp corridors of the mansion feel with the graphical capabilities of today. I was absolutely shocked at how bad RE6 was, the graphics were terrible, the levels were linear, the scripts average at best! I play with a full surround sound system and at no point did RE6 give me the frights that Dead Space 2 served up. The benchmark has been set, it's time to wake up Capcom and look at what the rest are doing - you might just learn something! ;-)

2 • 
Avatar image for RSM-HQ
RSM-HQ

12586

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 94

User Lists: 1

I'd be more than happy with REmake and 0 as downloads thank you. Operation was a somewhat reboot and was pretty much 'lacking' so please.. I hope the reboot idea is idle talk. Just make 7 more like the Gamecube games & everyone's happy.

2 • 
Avatar image for tgwolf
tgwolf

67

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

SOMETHING has to be done with RE, like starting with dropping the rating back to T, but the game has always had mechanical issues and pretty big design flaws, so talks are really the order of the day if that's what it takes to cure these games and make them into something that I can consider worthwhile even from a gameplay standpoint.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for RSM-HQ
RSM-HQ

12586

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 94

User Lists: 1

Edited By RSM-HQ

@tgwolf You say that, and yet aside from moving and shooting Dead Space 1 (the one everyone calls a classic) is a cut and paste copy of Resident Evil 4 in many, many ways. Personally I actually think Resi 4 holds up as a far better game.

Not sure what you consider "worthwhile" gameplay, as many games have annoying flaws. Uncharted has some pretty darn annoying ones for example. But to each his or her own. Personally it sounds like your standards are shockingly high.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for acealexander702
acealexander702

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Ugh.... I kind of find that reboots in video games has been becoming a trend, and I think its an easy way out, I believe that Resident Evil truly can continue with what it has now, I say either make a new Resident Evil concentrating on Claire Redfield, or a whole new character, but make him/her original, I didn't like how they made like a second Chris for RE6 and a Wesker Jr. I was talking with my friends how MGS2 sort of sucked because people wanted more of Snake, it was too soon to throw in this new character Raiden making him to overall major concentration, but I feel with RE, it could work, and that its actually well overdue, RE is no doubt withering, if they could pull off an amazing sequel it'll get them more kudos than an amazing reboot, which probably everyone would be happy with right now

Upvote • 
Avatar image for 179107199999
179107199999

74

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

@acealexander702 I agree.RE still has a lot of story left to explore.The thing is Capcom wanted 6 to be something that COD players would like.The series went down because the game wasn't survival horror.If they kept that aspect fans would appreciate that.And on MGS2. Snake was used since 1980 something the switch to Raiden wasn't really too fast.Snake had decades as the head.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Chronologo
Chronologo

150

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Edited By Chronologo

@179107199999 @acealexander702 True about Snake, but most of the players got introduced to the franchise in MGS, and never knew about the 2 previous MG

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Augurae
Augurae

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I just played hours of DmC. This is not classy, subtle or dark as the first one, the character is horrible, and the style/music/theme vulgar. But this is really great Reboot with completely original take, funny teen universe, and complete action schemes.

It won't work for Resident Evil. If they want to reboot it, they need to make it even more creepy and scary than the first one while keeping a bit of action rythme because times, graphics and tastes have evolved. They won't succeed.

HOWEVER they need and can reboot Onimusha.

3 • 
Avatar image for acealexander702
acealexander702

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Augurae Onimusha.......YES! I don't think they need to reboot it, but definitely bring it back!

2 • 
Avatar image for Augurae
Augurae

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Strider8009 What you are referring to have nothing to do with trolls. They are way worse, they are fanboys.

I hate fanboys, seriously we should burn all these dumb **** because whether Capcom fanboys, Nintendo fanboys or Apple fanboys, these ignorant latecomer stupid shit are the reason why their products get worse.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for digi-demon
digi-demon

803

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Edited By digi-demon

OMG I am so fed up with the whole 're-boot a series' every 5 years or less concept.

If the IP is dead then its time to move on - more new inovative IP's required not reboot.

Both movies and games are dying on their ass because of the whole lazy reboot concept - I refuse to watch another 'reboot' movie and will now do the same with video games.

Everyone needs to evaluate their habits if they want gaming and movies to survive.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ZombieKohhi
ZombieKohhi

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

"Capcom has previously said a Resident Evil 2 remake is possible with enough fan support."

We have been waiting for a Resident Evil 2 remake since the first Resident Evil was remade on the GameCube

5 • 
Avatar image for gamespot2DBOne
gamespot2DBOne

273

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 203

User Lists: 0

@ZombieKohhi if u have the time,,to wait for it,,ppl get older,,and days go by,,,

Upvote • 
Avatar image for gamespot2DBOne
gamespot2DBOne

273

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 203

User Lists: 0

@ZombieKohhi just bring the game out already,,is not a new game,,just a remake

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jark888
jark888

78

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Strider8009 Capcom and RE6 have bad reputation. The sell of the game isn't good.

However, as a fan, I can appreciate the well-meaning work and dedication from its developers. I wouldn't spend nearly 200 hours gameplay including replay time if I hate it. In my opinion, it's not a bad or average game. It's just not very horror for those who complained.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jark888
jark888

78

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Strider8009 @Salta06 Capcom had done a few updates such as camera adjustment and QTE assist on RE6 according to fan requests.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jark888
jark888

78

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I DEFINITELY SUPPORT RE2 REMAKE !!!

Well, I guess the rest is up to the more like we receive which should reassure them our determination.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for ALLABOUTTKK
ALLABOUTTKK

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

At least the man is speaking right. Taking into consideration what complaints the fans have made is a start, I personally liked RE6 and you can't really hate a long running company too much for making an effort to go into a direction that they might of felt successful for them.


What if RE6 was a success to the fans? Again, at least the man is speaking with a patient mind, saying they need to do what we have been saying and that's listen to US, the buyers.
Upvote • 
Avatar image for 179107199999
179107199999

74

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

@ALLABOUTTKK I like what you said but Capcom has a funny way of treating their consumers. Mega Man Legend3. Capcom asked for fan support and got it after Inafune left Capcom cancelled the game and blamed the fans.The selling of MVC3 twice in a short amount of time was uncalled for.Their Fiasco with the DLC on SFxT is rather infamous and they contiuned with Dragon's Dogama.I had respect for Capcom but now in this era they haven't listened to the consumers.Hopefully after what happened with DmC and RE6 they'll start truly paying attention to what consumers want.They messed up with RE6 by wanting to make the game more accessible to COD players. Back then in the older games you were more vulnerable.You had ration health and ammo.You had to know when to run and when to fight.RE6 was an action game which is not bad but It wasn't a true successor to the genre it helped to define.Like you said They should listen to the buyers but Capcom won't listen until they're endeavors fail.They keep trying to gauge what's popular in the market and try to appeal to other players.In this business that's what's going to happen but, to drastically change things to appeal to a new audience while leaving the loyal fans with a bare minimum of things they grew to love in with a series or game that's going to hurt sales.Capcom hasn't learned that yet but perhaps their time of reckoning is near. i miss when I could buy a Capcom game and be truly in love with it. I honestly miss the old days.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for kyle004
kyle004

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

@179107199999 @ALLABOUTTKK Seems that time was like six years ago or something round that. I remember viewtiful joe and way more games that capcom did a great job on. And on thing that really pissed me off was in marvel vs crapcom. MEGAMAN....... Crapcoms main logo was not even included till two or three dlc`s later. Its like you dont even know the fans anymore. And one thing that pisses me off was. WHEN YOU USED TO BEAT A GAME YOU GOT TO UNLOCK A CHARACTER. THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT MADE ME WANT TO KEEP PLAYING. BUT NOW YOU HAVE TO BUY THESE SECRETS CHARACTERS TO PLAY THEM. NO REPLAY VALUE AT ALL. SO disappointing capcom. I loved playing marvel vs capcom 1 and viewful joe and my favorite which is not capcoms favorite anymore and thats megaman

Upvote • 
Avatar image for MudPie210
MudPie210

91

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

One possibility for the future of Resident Evil, Kawata said, is for Capcom to place greater focus on the horror component, making "something scarier than we have already."

You think? The current games have literally zero horror element to them. Greater is only an accurate word if it currently existed in theseries, but it doesn't

3 • 
Avatar image for HeroicVillian
HeroicVillian

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By HeroicVillian

REBOOT.. Focus on atmosphere and suspense please..... Damn you did so good with the games 1, 2, and 3... even 4 had good atmosphere... just reboot it completely... keep it simple and for god sakes bring back puzzles.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for kohle36
kohle36

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@HeroicVillian wait, you mean 'insert square crank shaft into square hole...turn'?

Upvote • 
Avatar image for joker1888
joker1888

238

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Now just give me Outbreak in the Playstation Store.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for superkadeemx
superkadeemx

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By superkadeemx

@Strider8009 theres only so many ways to defend a piece a shit til you realize it just flat out stinks and deserves to be in the toilet where it belongs.

3 • 
Avatar image for superkadeemx
superkadeemx

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

capcom you guys are fucking up, you forgot to mention the DLC!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for joker1888
joker1888

238

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Thank you Based Gawd. For the company has heard my crys!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Ranma_X_basic
Ranma_X_basic

931

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 0

Dear Capcom,


As a long time Resident Evil fan having played every game in the franchise i honestly have to say that this series is indeed due for a reboot the same way you have Ninja Theory reboot Devil May cay.

If i may make a suggestion you should consider taking idea from games like Dead Space, Left 4 dead and even Dead Island (well mostly Dead space) and make the next RE game more survival horror and less like an action game.

Oh! and Capcom. two games i would probably like to see return the to gaming scene are Onimusha and if possible a new Dino Crisis game(s)

3 • 
Avatar image for 179107199999
179107199999

74

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

@Ranma_X_basic Funny you mention Dead Space.I'm wondering if that game actually borrowed some elements from old RE....

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Brutal_Gamer97
Brutal_Gamer97

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Bout time.. maybe they should start remaking RE1 then 2 and 3.. i'd love to see Chris, Jill, Barry, Rebecca and wesker in full HD like in RE5 reunion.. :D so awesome!

Upvote • 
Avatar image for jark888
jark888

78

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@Brutal_Gamer97 Zero and the original RE had already been remade for Wii. They're pretty awesome.

Upvote • 
Avatar image for Augurae
Augurae

25

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@jark888 @Brutal_Gamer97 not for the Wii, for the Gamecube

Upvote •