Capcom execs were bewildered that people might want to play original Resident Evil when GOG approached them about it: ‘We have all of those remakes. It’s already the superior experience’

I find myself aligned with my colleague Ted Litchfield’s perspective on remakes: the essence of creativity lies in reinvention rather than mere replication. It’s a simple request—allow the new generation to engage with a reimagined classic while ensuring that the original remains accessible. This way, the younger audience can enjoy a fresh take, and I can continue to relive my cherished experiences as if time stood still. It’s a win-win for all involved, except perhaps for Capcom.

Last year, the journey to bring the original PC releases of Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3 to GOG was anything but straightforward. Reports indicate that GOG had to exert considerable effort to persuade Capcom to allow these classic titles onto their platform. The reluctance stemmed not from business concerns but rather from a fundamental disconnect within the company’s executives, who struggled to understand why anyone would prefer the originals when their polished remakes were readily available.

The Value of Nostalgia

According to Paczynski from GOG, it took extensive discussions to illustrate that there exists a dedicated audience with fond memories of these games who yearn to experience them in their original form. “It took a lot of convincing that there is an audience that has a lot of memories about those games,” he noted, adding, “and would love to experience exactly the same game again. Thankfully, we were able to convince them.”

While I personally lack nostalgic ties to the original Resident Evil games—having found them far too frightening as a child—I still relished the opportunity to revisit the eerie corridors of Spencer Mansion in all its PS1-era splendor when GOG released those titles last year.

Despite the skepticism from industry executives, the intrinsic value of original games remains undeniable, even in an era where new versions boast advanced graphics and technology. The act of preserving these classics serves a greater purpose, and perhaps the gaming industry would benefit from a more profound appreciation of this aspect by those holding the financial reins.