In a recent interview featured in GameInformer, Capcom producer Masachika Kawata shared insights into the company’s evolving strategy for the iconic Resident Evil franchise. The focus is on balancing quality with quantity, leveraging remakes to support the development of more innovative projects.
Annual Aspirations and Strategic Remakes
Kawata expressed a desire for Resident Evil to become an annual franchise, acknowledging, however, the challenges that come with producing a new installment each year. He noted that while the ambition is there, the execution remains a complex endeavor. This is where the remakes play a crucial role, not only revitalizing classic titles but also generating revenue to fund new ventures.
Capcom’s approach stands in contrast to many of its industry peers, who have faced staffing reductions and delays in game releases. The company continues to thrive, with titles like Monster Hunter Wilds demonstrating both a loyal fan base and impressive sales figures.
As highlighted by GamesRadar, the pool of Resident Evil remakes may soon reach its limit, particularly following this year’s release of Code Veronica. The original Resident Evil remake for GameCube is often hailed as a flawless experience, prompting questions about the necessity of further enhancements, especially after Capcom’s ambitious reimagining of Resident Evil 4.
Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the potential for remaking less celebrated entries in the series, such as Resident Evil 0, 5, and 6. While opinions on these titles vary, some industry voices suggest that transforming flawed games into polished experiences could be a fruitful direction for Capcom. As PCG news writer Joshua Wolens pointed out, there’s merit in revisiting these titles rather than risking the integrity of those that have already achieved success.
However, the less favorable titles in the Resident Evil catalog, such as Survivor or Dead Aim, may be best left untouched, as the franchise continues to navigate its storied legacy.
