Is Resident Evil PlayStation Exclusive?
The answer to this question may surprise some gamers. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Resident Evil series, its exclusivity status, and explore the reasoning behind its past and current commitments.
Early Years:
Resident Evil, a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom, made its debut in 1996 on the PlayStation. The game, originally known as Biohazard in Japan, was a groundbreaking success and laid the foundation for the horror game genre. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Resident Evil games were exclusively released on PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles, with Revelations 1 & 2 being exceptions, which were released on Nintendo 3DS.
Transition to Multi-Platform
Starting with Resident Evil 4 (2005) and Resident Evil 5 (2009), the series began to transition to Microsoft Xbox and Microsoft Windows platforms, while still maintaining PlayStation releases. This move marked a shift away from PlayStation exclusivity.
Modern Era:
The Resident Evil series continued to be developed for multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) and Resident Evil Village (2021) have received simultaneous releases on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Reveal: Capcom’s Commitment to PC and Consoles
During an Investor Briefing in February 2021, Capcom revealed that they have made significant progress in developing the PC market, and as a result, have increased their commitment to the platform. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, an anime series, will be available on both Netflix and Capcom’s Capcom TV service, further expanding their reach beyond console and PC boundaries.
Exclusive Content
In some cases, Capcom has released exclusive content on certain platforms. For example:
• The Mercenaries DLC for Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 was only available on Xbox consoles.
• Revelations 2 had exclusive "Infernal Training" DLC on PC and Xbox, while the "Revelations" pack was exclusive to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
• Resident Evil: Origins Collection and Resident Evil: HD Remasters were exclusive to PC and Nintendo Switch, respectively.
Summary of Exclusive Releases
The table below outlines the Resident Evil games’ platform exclusivity:
| Game Title | Release Platforms |
|---|---|
| Resident Evil (1996) | PlayStation |
| Resident Evil 2 (1998) | PlayStation |
| Resident Evil 3 (1999) | PlayStation |
| Resident Evil: Code: Veronica (2000) | Dreamcast (PlayStation 2 ports were not exclusive) |
| Resident Evil 4 (2005) | GameCube (PlayStation 2, Xbox ports were not exclusive) |
| Resident Evil 5 (2009) | Xbox 360 (PlayStation 3 port was not exclusive) |
| Revelations 1 & 2 (2012-2015) | Nintendo 3DS (mobile port of Revelations 1 not exclusive) |
| Resident Evil 6 (2012) | Xbox 360 (PlayStation 3 port was not exclusive) |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) | PlayStation 4 (PC, Xbox One ports were not exclusive) |
| Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021) | Netflix (Capcom TV), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Conclusion:
To summarize, the Resident Evil series is not strictly PlayStation exclusive, although some early games and content may have had exclusive releases. As the series transitioned to multi-platform releases, the exclusivity clauses gradually dissipated. With recent commitments to PC and console development, as well as exclusive content on specific platforms, Capcom’s dedication to the series extends beyond the PlayStation brand.
Resident Evil is a renowned survival horror franchise with a loyal fan base. Whether you’re a nostalgic PlayStation player or a newcomer to the series, Capcom’s Resident Evil games continue to thrill and entertain gamers across multiple platforms.
What’s your favorite Resident Evil game or moment? Share your experiences with us in the comments!