When Did Resident Evil Start Development? Unveiling the Genesis of a Horror Icon
The development of the groundbreaking survival horror game, Resident Evil, began in 1993. This was the year when Capcom producer Tokuro Fujiwara tasked Shinji Mikami and other developers with creating a game that would draw inspiration from Fujiwara’s earlier 1989 horror title, Sweet Home. The initial vision for the game was conceived for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), setting the stage for a development journey that would ultimately redefine the horror genre in video games.
The Evolution of an Idea: From SNES to PlayStation
The path to the release of the first Resident Evil was not a straight one. Initially envisioned as a Super NES game in 1993, the project underwent significant redesigns before landing on its final form. In 1994, the game was reimagined as a fully 3D first-person title for the PlayStation. This early iteration showcased the ambition of the development team, as they explored the possibilities of immersive 3D environments.
Ultimately, the game was transformed into the third-person perspective that has become synonymous with the franchise. This shift in perspective was crucial to the game’s identity and success, allowing players to witness the terror unfolding around them from a position that enhanced both tension and control. It’s also important to note that the game’s original title in Japan was Biohazard.
Key Players in Development
The development of the original Resident Evil involved a dedicated team, often referred to as “Team Horror”. This team was part of Planning Room 2, a studio within Capcom that later became Capcom Production Studio 4. Many of the individuals within this team were newcomers to game development, bringing fresh perspectives to the project.
Tokuro Fujiwara’s role as producer was pivotal, providing the initial concept and inspiration drawn from his previous work on Sweet Home. Shinji Mikami, as director, was instrumental in shaping the gameplay, atmosphere, and overall experience that defined the series. Their combined leadership and creative vision set the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon.
From Idea to Reality: Development Timeline
Although the project started in 1993 with the Super NES concept, significant work to the final form for Playstation took place from 1994 to 1996. During this period, the team worked tirelessly to bring the vision of a tense, terrifying survival horror game to life. The game was a major technical leap forward for the time, pushing the PlayStation’s hardware to its limits to create the detailed environments and horrifying monsters that players would encounter. The release of Resident Evil in 1996 marked a major turning point, establishing a benchmark for the genre and launching a franchise that continues to captivate players today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about the development of Resident Evil and its broader context:
1. What was the original inspiration for Resident Evil?
The primary inspiration for Resident Evil was Sweet Home, a 1989 horror game also created by Tokuro Fujiwara. Fujiwara wanted to use his experience with Sweet Home to explore a different type of horror experience using modern video game technology.
2. Was Resident Evil always intended to be a third-person game?
No, initially, Resident Evil was conceived as a Super NES title, then a first-person PlayStation game before finally settling on the third-person perspective that is now iconic.
3. Who were the key developers behind the first Resident Evil?
The main developers were Tokuro Fujiwara (producer) and Shinji Mikami (director). Their vision was crucial to the game’s success and the foundation of the series.
4. When was Resident Evil 2 released?
Development of Resident Evil 2 began in early 1996, one month after the completion of the first game, and was released in 1998.
5. How long was Resident Evil Village in development?
Resident Evil Village was in development for approximately three and a half years, with production starting on August 8, 2016.
6. When did the remake of Resident Evil 4 begin development?
Development for the Resident Evil 4 remake reportedly started around 2018, led by the studio M-Two.
7. How long did it take to develop Resident Evil 3?
Resident Evil 3 took approximately three years to complete its full development cycle.
8. When did development for Resident Evil 7 begin?
Development of Resident Evil 7 began around February 2014. This marked a major shift to first-person gameplay for the series.
9. Which Resident Evil game has the longest playtime?
Resident Evil 6 currently has the longest playtime in the series, with an average of 21 hours. This is due to the game’s multiple interwoven storylines.
10. Why is Resident Evil Village considered the eighth main game, but not called Resident Evil 8?
While it is the eighth main game, the title was stylized to emphasize the “village” aspect of the game, rather than simply labeling it as Resident Evil 8. The logo includes the Roman numeral “VIII”.
11. How old is Rose in Resident Evil Village?
Rose, daughter of Ethan Winters, is sixteen years old in Resident Evil Village. She plays a significant role in the story.
12. When did Resident Evil 5 start development?
Resident Evil 5 was developed from 2004 to 2008. It was a large-scale project relying on international outsourcing for its production.
13. When did Resident Evil Village enter production?
Resident Evil Village entered production around August 2017, three months before the completion of Resident Evil 7 and six months before its release.
14. What is Resident Evil called in Japan?
In Japan and Southeast Asia, Resident Evil is known as Biohazard.
15. What made Resident Evil 7 so different from previous games?
Resident Evil 7 marked a return to survival horror roots with an emphasis on exploration. It was also the first main game in the series to use a first-person view, enhancing the immersive horror experience.