Is There a Resident Evil After Village? Exploring the Future of the Franchise
The short answer is a resounding yes. While Resident Evil Village provided a thrilling chapter in the Resident Evil saga, Capcom has made it abundantly clear that the franchise is far from over. Not only is Resident Evil 9 widely expected, but leaks and Capcom’s own statements strongly suggest ongoing development and exploration of new avenues within the Resident Evil universe. Let’s delve into what we know, what we can speculate on, and what the future might hold for this iconic survival horror series.
The Obvious: Resident Evil 9 and Beyond
The success of Resident Evil Village all but guarantees the existence of a Resident Evil 9. Capcom has consistently delivered new installments every few years, building on existing lore while introducing fresh characters, horrifying creatures, and intricate storylines. Based on the company’s track record, many expect Resident Evil 9 to launch around 2025.
However, the details remain shrouded in mystery. Back in September 2022, Kento Kinoshita from Capcom indicated that the Shadows of Rose DLC was intended to conclude the Winters family saga. This suggests that Ethan and Rose Winters, central figures in Resident Evil 7 and Village, are unlikely to be the focus of the next mainline installment. This opens the door for returning characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine to take center stage, or for entirely new protagonists to emerge.
Leaks, Rumors, and Potential Spin-offs
Beyond Resident Evil 9, the aforementioned data breach from Capcom revealed intriguing possibilities. The leak hinted at a game tentatively titled Resident Evil Outbreak, slated for a potential Q4 2021 release. While that timeline has obviously passed, the very existence of such a project suggests Capcom is exploring different avenues within the Resident Evil framework. Resident Evil Outbreak could be a reimagining of the classic multiplayer title or a completely new spin-off experience.
Furthermore, the success of the Resident Evil 4 Remake has fueled speculation about potential remakes of other beloved entries, such as Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Capcom has shown a willingness to revisit and revitalize classic titles, and the demand for these remakes is undoubtedly high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Future of Resident Evil
1. Is Resident Evil 9 confirmed?
While not officially announced, the success of Resident Evil: Village makes Resident Evil 9 highly probable. Capcom has a history of consistent releases, making a sequel very likely.
2. When will Resident Evil 9 be released?
Based on previous release patterns, a 2025 release window for Resident Evil 9 is a reasonable expectation. However, this is purely speculative and depends on Capcom’s development timeline.
3. Will Ethan Winters be in Resident Evil 9?
It’s unlikely. Capcom has indicated that the Shadows of Rose DLC concludes the Winters family saga, suggesting a shift in focus for future games. Ethan died at the end of Resident Evil Village.
4. Will Rose be the main character in Resident Evil 9?
Probably not. As stated above, the Shadows of Rose DLC appears to be the conclusion of her story.
5. Will Leon, Chris, or Claire be in Resident Evil 9?
It’s entirely possible. These classic characters are fan favorites and could easily return in future installments.
6. What is Resident Evil Outbreak?
Leaks suggest a potential project called Resident Evil Outbreak, but details are scarce. It could be a reimagining of the multiplayer title or a completely new spin-off.
7. Will there be a Resident Evil 5 remake?
The success of the Resident Evil 4 Remake makes a Resident Evil 5 Remake a strong possibility. The demand from fans is certainly there.
8. Will there be a Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake?
Similar to Resident Evil 5, a remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica is a possibility, especially given the success of recent remakes.
9. What are the Resident Evil games in order?
The main series order is generally considered to be: Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village.
10. Do I need to play the Resident Evil games in order?
Not necessarily. While there are overarching storylines and returning characters, each game often tells a self-contained story. However, playing in order can enhance your understanding of the lore.
11. Is Resident Evil Village a sequel to Resident Evil 7?
Yes, Resident Evil Village is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, continuing the story of Ethan Winters. It is set three years after the events of Resident Evil 7.
12. How old is Leon in Resident Evil 2?
Leon is 21 years old in Resident Evil 2.
13. Where does Resident Evil take place?
The early games often take place in the fictional Raccoon City and surrounding Arklay Mountains region. Later installments explore various locations around the world.
14. What is Biohazard?
Biohazard is the Japanese and Southeast Asian title for the Resident Evil franchise.
15. Are the Resident Evil games educational?
While primarily entertainment, Resident Evil games can indirectly touch upon themes relevant to science, history, and strategy. Exploring the educational potential of gaming is something institutions like the Games Learning Society are actively researching. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Future is Undead: Speculation and Possibilities
Beyond confirmed titles and remakes, the Resident Evil franchise has the potential to explore new genres and formats. We could see a return to the more action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 6, or a deeper dive into the psychological horror elements of Resident Evil 7. Capcom might even experiment with virtual reality or augmented reality experiences.
The enduring appeal of Resident Evil lies in its ability to adapt and reinvent itself. From its humble beginnings as a survival horror game in a mansion to its current status as a global multimedia franchise, Resident Evil continues to evolve and captivate audiences. As long as there are stories to tell, monsters to fight, and mysteries to unravel, the Resident Evil universe will continue to expand and terrify us for years to come.
The information contained in this article comes from a wide variety of sources, including Capcom’s own statements, leaks, and analysis of the previous trends. It is meant for informational and entertainment purposes.