United Gaming – At Summer Game Fest 2025, Capcom surprised fans by announcing Resident Evil Requiem as the event’s closing game. For many, this marked the long-awaited reveal of RE9. Excitement soared across the gaming community.
There had been rumors that the game would feature open-world gameplay. Now we know — those rumors weren’t completely unfounded. Capcom did test open-world features during development.
Developers Experimented with Open World in RE9
According to new statements by Koshi Nakanishi, the director of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom initially ran several internal gameplay tests with different concepts. Among the boldest ideas? An open world Resident Evil game — online, cooperative, and heavily action-oriented.
Early development footage revealed prototypes leaning into expansive maps and shared multiplayer experiences. Capcom considered reimagining RE9 as a survival-horror MMO hybrid. The open-world idea aimed to bring new levels of immersion and exploration to the series. It was a major shift from the series’ traditionally linear and narrative-driven design.
Why Capcom Ultimately Dropped the Open World Concept
Despite the intriguing potential of an open-world RE title, Nakanishi admitted that the concept did not align with fan expectations. Capcom eventually decided that the direction strayed too far from the essence of Resident Evil’s horror roots.
While action elements will still play a part — as they have in many RE titles — Resident Evil Requiem aims to deliver a purer horror experience. Capcom’s vision for RE9 is focused, atmospheric, and designed to evoke the intense fear that made the franchise legendary in the first place.
Nakanishi emphasized that the fans “don’t want an open world; they want a tight, gripping horror experience.” And that’s exactly what Capcom is striving to deliver
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Leon Won’t Be the Protagonist This Time
Another surprising revelation is that Leon S. Kennedy, one of the most iconic figures in the RE universe, won’t be headlining this installment. The developers felt that including Leon wouldn’t align with their horror-first approach. His character, while beloved, often brings a tone that leans toward action-hero storytelling — a tone that Capcom wanted to avoid this time around.
Instead, Resident Evil Requiem will introduce new characters or perhaps resurrect lesser-used figures who better support the horror-driven narrative the game is aiming for.
A Strategic Return to Resident Evil’s Roots
Capcom’s decision to explore — and ultimately reject — the open-world format for Resident Evil Requiem demonstrates a clear commitment to the franchise’s legacy. While the idea was ambitious and modern, it could have diluted the core horror elements that fans treasure.
Instead, RE9 will double down on the eerie, survival-focused formula that made the series iconic. Capcom is listening to its fan base, and Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a refined, fear-inducing experience that stays true to its roots.
Are you glad Capcom kept RE9 away from the open-world trend, or were you hoping to explore a massive, zombie-infested sandbox? Let us know your thoughts — and stay tuned for more updates!
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