Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is Capcom’s major foray into VR innovation, but apparently that decision caused significant delays in the game’s development. Per a recent annual report, we got a sneak peek at a project that seems to be something of a triumphant struggle.
Speaking to the case of PlayStation VR support, studio manager Jun Takeuchi said “development was plagued by a series of difficulties.” In addition to struggling to maintain consistent framerates on the existing MT framework, VR development took priority. “With VR, we couldn’t bring the game to market unless it had photorealistic graphics on par with live-action films,” he expressed. “To create that level of quality, conventional production methods would take too long and cost too much.” As a result, a brand new engine, called RE ENGINE, was produced. It offered fast 3D model scanning and 60fps VR performance.
While it’s implied that taking on these several new process for the sake of Resident Evil 7 caused its fair share of stress, “the team pulled together to make it happen.” To Takeuchi, “being satisfied with the status quo means game over” for game creators. With this belief in mind, the 2017 horror title will be among the first triple-A experiences to prominently offer large chunks of VR gameplay.
That being said, the minds behind Resident Evil 7 intend to deliver even for those that forgo using a headset. One of RE ENGINE’s highlight features is what technical artist Makoto Fukui called “one of the world’s largest-scale 3D scanning systems.” In particular, the tech strives for a “degree of reproduction [that] is unlike anything that has come before” by creating character models that are “truly human” with a wide variety of emotional expressions.
In contrast to previous titles, this one also cast many of its key characters before their designs took shape. As a result, the software was able to create a more lifelike representation of each actor. The internal goal for Resident Evil 7 is to create “fear that sticks with you.” In Fukui’s eyes, accurate scanning is a key element of that mission.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard comes to PS4, Xbox One and PC on Jan. 24.
Are you excited to try Resident Evil 7 in PlayStation VR? Will Capcom’s desire to innovate pay off? Tell us in the comments section!
