At the Capcom Spotlight livestream on Thursday, the company unveiled new gameplay footage from Resident Evil Requiem, showcasing the survival horror title from both first and third-person perspectives. The event also provided insights into the game’s concepts, characters, and setting. Resident Evil Requiem was initially announced at the Summer Game Fest earlier this month, with plans for its launch set for 2026.
New Gameplay Insights for Resident Evil 9
During a five-minute ‘Creator’s Message’ segment at the Capcom Spotlight, Resident Evil 9 director Koshi Nakanishi discussed the theme of “addictive fear” that underpins the game. The footage presented featured protagonist Grace Ashcroft, who is seen navigating dark corridors while wielding a lighter. Additionally, players are shown exploring a manor in a first-person view, firearm in hand.
Nakanishi elaborated on the choice of a new protagonist, acknowledging the possibility of featuring Resident Evil staple Leon S. Kennedy, who was last seen in Resident Evil 6.
“We have always considered making Leon the central character, but it’s challenging to craft a horror experience around him,” Nakanishi stated. “He wouldn’t react fearfully to smaller scares—like a falling bucket—for instance. Viewers wouldn’t find it compelling to see him frightened by every little thing, making him a less suitable option for horror.”
Resident Evil: Requiem will enable players to switch between first and third-person perspectives. Producer Masato Kumazawa highlighted that the first-person mode contributes to a “tense, realistic” atmosphere, whereas the third-person view caters to a more action-driven gameplay style.
“Our studies of recent gameplay patterns within the franchise indicated that many players tend to favor either first-person or third-person experiences,” Kumazawa remarked in an interview released on the PlayStation Blog following the livestream. “With this in mind, we have incorporated both perspectives in RE9, aiming to ensure that all Resident Evil enthusiasts can embrace the newest installment.”
Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst, is set to be the main character in Resident Evil 9, as she returns to Racoon City to investigate a string of unexplained deaths. The game is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X platforms. Players can currently wishlist it on the PlayStation Store and Steam.
