"Resident Evil" is enjoying the success of "Resident Evil Requiem," but an executive from Capcom is already talking about the game's sequel that could be set in the company's home country, Japan.
'Resident Evil's Next Game May Be Based in Japan
Future games and developments from the franchise have always been kept secret, but according to GameRant, "Resident Evil Requiem" producer Masato Kumazawa recently hinted at a new setting for the franchise's next game.
Kumazawa shared his thoughts in an interview with Japanese media outlet, Futaman, saying that "I think a Japanese setting is something every Japanese 'Resident Evil' fan has thought about, and I've also considered it myself."
To date, there are still no "Resident Evil" games that are based in Japan despite its development, direction, and team being all based in the Land of the Rising Sun.
"Since the development team is primarily based in Japan, I think every member has given it some thought. While Japan hasn't appeared as a game setting so far, it might make an appearance at some point in the future," Kumazawa added.
Capcom Boss Wants 'RE' to Be in Japan
The studio behind the franchise has been based in Japan for its entire existence, and the team is deeply familiar with the country's landscape, folklore, and architecture.
All of that could make for a uniquely terrifying backdrop, given how effectively the "Resident Evil" team uses location to build atmosphere in every entry, especially as Kumazawa already expressed his intent for it to be based here.
A new story set in Japan would be fascinating enough, but what is even more intriguing is what that could mean for the game's cast of characters. It is always possible that longtime favorites like Leon Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, and Chris Redfield could find themselves on a mission in Japan, as per GameRant, which also suggests that new characters may also be added.
'Resident Evil's Western Settings Through the Years
The outbreak that started it all took place in Raccoon City, a Midwestern American city serving as the headquarters of the Umbrella Corporation. "Resident Evil 4" took players to rural Spain, where Leon Kennedy navigated a remote village overtaken by a parasitic cult.
Most recently, "Resident Evil Village" brought the horror to Eastern Europe with a snow-covered Romanian-inspired setting full of Gothic castles and werewolves.
Every "Resident Evil" game has used its location as a terrifying backdrop to help tie each story together, with the latest, "Requiem," circling back to Raccoon City.
"Resident Evil" and "Silent Hill" have been two of the most popular horror franchises in gaming, and the latter recently set a new entry in Japan with "Silent Hill f."
That game showcased just how effectively the country's aesthetic can be woven into horror, and a "Resident Evil" game set there only feels like a matter of time.
