Resident Evil Requiem Was Originally Planned as an Online Game, Producer Says
Resident Evil Requiem was originally envisioned as an online game before its development team decided to pivot toward a more traditional horror-focused experience, according to producer Masachika Kawata. The revelation came from an interview published in the Biohazard 30th Special Mook, a 124-page collector’s edition fan book featuring a comprehensive history of the Resident Evil series, including creature genealogy and developer insights.
Kawata explained that game director Koshi Nakanishi had initially developed the project as an online title during early production stages. However, the team ultimately abandoned this direction in favor of a design philosophy that better emphasized the horror elements central to the Resident Evil franchise. This decision reflects a common challenge in modern game development, where teams must balance experimental online features with core gameplay identity.
The development journey highlights how even established franchises undergo significant conceptual changes during production. The Resident Evil series has experimented with various gameplay styles over its 30-year history, and Requiem’s evolution from an online-focused title to a horror-centered experience fits within that broader pattern of creative exploration and refinement.