Franchise celebrates 30 years as survival horror retains strong commercial appeal
OSAKA:
Three decades after redefining survival horror, Japan’s Capcom has delivered another commercial juggernaut, announcing that ‘Resident Evil Requiem’ has surpassed five million units in global sales within days of its February 27release, underscoring the franchise’s enduring pull in a fiercely competitive games market.
The milestone arrives in a symbolic month for the series, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in March. First launched in 1996, ‘Resident Evil’ has grown into one of the most recognisable brands in interactive entertainment, blending claustrophobic tension, cinematic storytelling and kinetic combat into a formula that has proved remarkably resilient to shifting industry trends.
The game continues the franchise’s signature survival horror design while expanding action-oriented gameplay. Developed using Capcom’s proprietary RE ENGINE technology, the title delivers photorealistic visual detail, including refined character skin textures, natural hair movement and enhanced lighting effects.
The company said the design aims to intensify emotional immersion alongside fast-paced combat encounters. ‘Resident Evil Requiem’ also introduces flexible play options, allowing players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives during gameplay.
The title had already generated strong pre-release interest. At Gamescom 2025, Europe’s largest gaming trade exhibition, it received four awards, including the Most Epic honour, which recognises outstanding cinematic and immersive experiences. Critics praised the balance between suspense-driven storytelling and modern combat dynamics. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Osaka, Capcom has built a major international presence with popular series such as ‘Monster Hunter’ and ‘Street Fighter’. Cumulative sales across the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise have now surpassed 183 million units, highlighting the continued strength of survival horror in the global gaming market.
