Resident Evil 9: Capcom Reboots Open-World Plans for Classic Horror Comeback
- India Today Gaming
- May 25, 2025 (UPDATED: May 25, 2025 23:27 IST)
Resident Evil 9 was once an open-world multiplayer game, but Capcom rebooted it in 2021 to return to the series’ signature horror roots.
Resident Evil series is always known for its intense horror experience that the game provides to the players. If recent rumours are to be believed, Resident Evil 9 originally started life as a much larger, open-world game with multiplayer features — before Capcom pulled the plug and rebooted development back in 2021. Here's what we’ve learned about this surprising turn in the franchise’s journey.
A Bigger, Bolder Idea That Didn’t Last:
Industry insider Dusk Golem — who’s got a solid track record when it comes to Capcom leaks — recently shared that Resident Evil 9 began development as early as 2018. At the time, Capcom apparently wanted to try something different. The plan was to create a fully open-world experience, filled with interconnected regions you could explore freely, much like some of today’s big-budget RPGs.
Multiplayer was also part of the early vision. Though we don’t know the specifics, it seems there were ideas for co-op gameplay or even competitive elements. It sounded ambitious, but that direction didn’t stick. Somewhere along the way, it became clear that this version wasn’t quite working out.
Starting Over With a New Focus:
In 2021 Capcom reportedly made the call to scrap the original concept and reboot the game from the ground up. The new direction? A return to the franchise’s horror roots — tighter environments, solo play, and the kind of atmosphere Resident Evil does best. Part of the reason might be Capcom’s mixed track record with multiplayer. Titles like Resident Evil: Resistance and RE:Verse didn’t exactly win fans over, which could’ve made the studio rethink adding those elements to a mainline entry. It seems Capcom decided it was better to stick with what they know works.
What’s Happening Now? Current Conclusion:
As of May 2025, Resident Evil 9 is said to be in the final stages of development. While nothing’s official yet, the game is rumored to continue some of the story threads left from Resident Evil Village. Dusk Golem has mentioned a potential release window of late 2025 or early 2026. Capcom hasn’t revealed anything publicly, but many are hoping for an announcement soon — possibly at a summer gaming event or Tokyo Game Show later this year.