In 2023, Capcom is going back to one of the most influential titles in modern gaming with a remake ofResident Evil 4. It follows a recent trend inResident Evilto reinvent and reinvigorate the iconic franchise for a new generation, with new gameplay mechanics, story, and visuals. While the release ofResident Evil 4remake is only two months away, there may be a few more surprises from theResident Evilfranchise in the months ahead as well as beyond the release ofResident Evil 4remake.
The originalResident Evil 4is considered by many to be a pioneer in the third-person action-shooter genre. The game has received multiple ports throughout the years including HD re-releases, mobile versions, and the most recentResident Evil 4VR version. For 2023, Capcom is putting much of its focus on the release ofResident Evil 4remake, especially considering that many fans believe the original to be the best in the series.
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The Current State of Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4remake has been a long-rumored project that was only officially announced relatively recently. The game was reportedly in development at M-Two, the developer behindResident Evil 3remake. However, it was later reported thatResident Evil 4remake development switchedto Capcom Division 1, one of the more senior development teams that have led the series previously.
Even with the supposed development switch,Resident Evil 4remake looks to be on track for an on-time release. It was recently stated by game producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi that development is in the “final spurt” and that there are no expected delays at the studio leading up to its release on March 24th.
It was also recently reported that the controversial island section from the original won’t be cut. Instead, thedivisive section of the originalResident Evil 4is being expanded for the 2023 remake. This bodes well for more of the game’s purists who may be hoping to keep much of the same content while hoping the remake improves upon it in some ways.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Release and Pre-Launch Build-Up
It’s highly likely that at least one more trailer will be shown forResident Evil 4remake before launch. Capcom has been a major highlight for Sony during its recent State of Plays, as bothResident Evil 4remake andStreet Fighter 6were revealed at the June 2 State of Play. More news will likely be shared at the next State of Play, but it’s also possible that Capcom may host another showcase to spotlight development on its many projects.
There is also a possibility of a demo forResident Evil 4remake however, that is unconfirmed and speculation at this point.Resident Evilhas released demosin the past leading up to the launch of its titles, including demos forResident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil 3remake, andResident Evil Village. But as of now, Capcom has not mentioned anything about a demo forResident Evil 4remake.
After the launch ofResident Evil 4remake, there is a possibility for DLC for the game, but it will most likely be cosmetic only. WhileResident Evil 7:BiohazardandResident EvilVillagehave had large story expansions such as the most recentResident Evil Village:Shadow of Rose, the previousResident Evilremakes did not receive any major story DLC. This leads many to believeResident Evil 4remake will most likely be the same.
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Resident Evil and VR
It’s been revealed that bothResident Evil 4remake andResident Evil Villageare getting VR support for PSVR2. It’s unclear whetherResident Evil 4remake will receive full VR support or whether it will only be partial, where only select areas are playable in VR. It’s also unknown whether VR support will be available at the game’s release. More news about the topic will likely be shared closer to the game’s release.
There is good news, however, forResident Evil Villageas it’s been announced that a VR update will be released on February 22, the same day PSVR2 releases. TheVR Mode is free for owners ofResident Evil Villageand includes the ability to control Ethan’s hands separately as well as a chance to dual-wield weapons.
What’s After Resident Evil Village
In October 2022,Resident Evil Villagereceived a brand-new edition titledResident Evil Village: GoldEdition, most likely capping off support for the game, outside of VR mode. It’s likely that there are no more plannedstory expansions forResident Evil Villageseeing as how the focus is mostly now onResident Evil 4remake. That doesn’t effectively rule out the possibility, however, as Capcom has put out content even after a “definitive edition” has been released, as was the case withStreet Fighter V.Although the likelihood of any more major content is still low.
It’s unknown where theResident Evilfranchise will go afterResident Evil Villageand after theResident Evil 4remake. If there are any hints about what’s ahead forResident Evil, it may be given near the end of the year, but more likely early next year, although that’s entirely speculation based on past marketing patterns for the series.
Updates Regarding Other Resident Evil Material
Outside ofResident Evil 4remake, Capcom has also been supporting their online multiplayer titleResident Evil Re:Verseover the past few months. Capcom has added new characters and locations to the game since its release in October. However, it’s unknown how long support will last considering the mediocre critical reception of the game.
In otherResident Evilnews, the live-action Netflix TV show simply titledResident Evilwill not be receiving a second season. There’s also no word onNetflix’s animated series titledResident Evil: Infinite Darknessand whether it’ll receive a second season. And nothing official has been said about a sequel to the live-action filmResident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.But considering the tendency to continue makingResident Eviladaptations despite low sales and negative critical reception, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if either of these projects gets greenlit for a sequel, or if something entirely new comes out later this year.
Resident Evil 4Remake releases on June 26, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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