In a surprising announcement during its NEXT broadcast, Capcom has officially confirmed that a new entry in the beloved Resident Evil series is currently in development. The news came from Koshi Nakanishi, director of the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, who will be leading the development of this highly anticipated project.
“We’re making a new Resident Evil,” Nakanishi casually stated during the broadcast, catching many fans off guard with the unexpected revelation. While details remain scarce, Nakanishi hinted at the game’s potential, saying, “It was really difficult to figure out what to do after [Resident Evil] 7. But I found it, and to be honest it feels substantial.”
This announcement comes amidst long-standing rumors and speculation about Resident Evil 9, though Capcom has yet to officially confirm whether this new project is indeed the ninth mainline entry in the series. Nakanishi’s involvement, however, has sparked excitement among fans, given his impressive track record with the franchise.
In addition to directing Resident Evil 7, which is credited with revitalizing the series in 2017, Nakanishi’s Resident Evil portfolio includes directing Resident Evil Mercenaries 3D for the Nintendo 3DS and the first Resident Evil Revelations game. He also served as lead designer on Resident Evil 5, demonstrating his deep understanding of the franchise’s evolution.
Breaking news from Capcom NEXT – Summer 2024! Director Koshi Nakanishi reveals that a new Resident Evil is in development. pic.twitter.com/N4RLiLuCgC
— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) July 1, 2024
While Nakanishi was unable to share specific details about the upcoming game, he expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I hope you’re excited for the day I can [share more].” This tease has left fans eagerly anticipating future announcements.
The Resident Evil series has seen a resurgence in recent years, with the Resident Evil 4 Remake and Resident Evil Village both receiving critical acclaim and Game of the Year nominations. This new project looks to continue that momentum, potentially pushing the boundaries of survival horror even further.
In addition to this major announcement, Capcom’s broadcast also touched on other projects, including a new demo for Kunitsu-Gami and the release date for the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, set for September 19th on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
As the gaming community digests this news, speculation is already rampant about what direction Nakanishi and his team will take the series. Will it continue the first-person perspective introduced in Resident Evil 7, or return to the third-person view of recent remakes? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the next chapter in the Resident Evil saga is officially underway.
