Out of the most notable games showcased at the Summer Game Fest three weeks ago, Resident Evil 9: Requiem once again became the focus of widespread interest for the Capcom Spotlight on June 27, 2025. This was to be one of its last public statements before summer break, aiming to keep the game fresh in players’ minds ahead of gamescom in August where it would be playable.
This time around, new insights were shared by its creators who admit trying various approaches before settling on something more intimate. This intention is evident through its protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, an introverted and easily frightened FBI profiler. Unlike Leon Kennedy, who would naturally pick up his weapons, Grace hesitates, doubts, retreats, but primarily observes in Resident Evil 9: Requiem gameplay.
Producer Koshi Nakanishi confessed that while he had considered reprising Leon as the hero, Leon’s inherent confidence and heroic past made it challenging to craft a genuinely terrifying experience. “No one wants to see Leon jump out of fright at the sight of an overturned bucket,” he jokingly remarked. Sadly, persistent rumors about Leon S. Kennedy’s presence in the game suggest he will be a supporting character.
Another pillar of the setup: the dual perspective. First-person for those wanting to literally immerse in horror, third-person for those preferring some distance or wishing to savor the staging with more detachment. This duality allows the title to cater to various sensitivities, as certain players despise the first-person shooter (FPS) view. Masato Kumazawa, the producer, clarifies that this camera choice is not merely cosmetic; it structures gameplay.
Resident Evil 9: Requiem will allow players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives for different gameplay experiences. The decision to use a new protagonist was made because it is difficult to create a horror game based around Leon S. Kennedy, as he wouldn’t react fearfully to typical horror elements.
In addition, Resident Evil: Requiem will be available to wishlist on PlayStation Store and Steam. Resident Evil 9 Requiem is set for release on February 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series. This return to fundamentals accompanies a fresh aesthetic, as explained by Tomonori Takano, the artistic director of the project. Resident Evil 9 Requiem draws inspiration from film noir imagery, with unsettling urban angles, omnipresent metal elements, gritty and realistic lighting. No longer is it the Louisiana house or European countryside villages; instead, it’s a return to Raccoon City’s rusty urban setting. It promises an engaging experience.
As the anticipation for Resident Evil 9: Requiem continues to build, it’s worth noting that Capcom recently celebrated an impressive milestone. On June 24, 2025, Carlos Mendoza reported that the game has accumulated over one million wishlist additions on Steam and PlayStation Store following its teaser trailer debut at Summer Game Fest. This significant fan engagement underscores the enduring excitement for the Resident Evil series, especially as Capcom prepares to reveal more details during their upcoming Spotlight event. For those eager to learn about the latest developments, be sure to check out Capcom Celebrates Over One Million Wishlist Additions for Resident Evil 9: Requiem.