Resident Evil Requiem to Resurrect Classic Raccoon City and Umbrella Corporation in a Return to the Franchise’s Original Narrative

A Return to the Franchise’s Roots: Resident Evil Requiem Reconnects with Its Overarching Storyline

Capcom has announced that Resident Evil Requiem will mark a significant shift back to the series’ original overarching storyline, which was first introduced over 30 years ago. This new installment will explore the origins of Raccoon City and the mysterious Umbrella Corporation, bringing fans closer to the series’ foundational myths after years of focusing on more recent narratives.

Revisiting Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation

Unlike recent titles such as Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, which centered around new characters and incidents set in different locations, Requiem aims to bring back the classic setting of Raccoon City. The game will also delve into the current status of the shadowy Umbrella Corporation—an organization thought to have gone bankrupt during previous storylines. Fans are left wondering: has Umbrella truly disappeared, or does it still hold secrets in the shadows?

Celebrating 30 Years of Resident Evil

In an interview with the PlayStation Blog, producer Masato Kumazawa shared that Resident Evil Requiem is being developed to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, which occurs next year. The game is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026—marking three decades since the original Resident Evil debuted in March 1996.

Narrative Focus and Classic Characters

Kumazawa explained that while recent mainline titles have expanded the universe by exploring the stories of characters like the Winters family, Requiem will return to the core narrative rooted in Raccoon City and the dark schemes of Umbrella. This decision aligns with the series’ milestone anniversary, making Raccoon City the perfect backdrop for this nostalgic yet fresh chapter.

Connecting Past and Present: New and Returning Characters

Although Resident Evil 7 was released in 2017, the series’ timeline outside of remakes remains relatively sparse. Fans are eager to see beloved characters reappear, and Requiem promises to bridge the gap by incorporating familiar faces and stories.

One notable storyline being revived is from the spin-off series Resident Evil Outbreak. The game will feature a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Outbreak. Kumazawa noted that incorporating a character with a personal connection to Raccoon City enhances the horror experience, making Grace a relatable and compelling figure.

Designing a Protagonist for Horror and Action

Capcom has emphasized that Grace was chosen for her genuine reactions—she is the type to jump in fright when facing danger. This aligns with the game’s horror elements. However, the developers are also exploring more action-packed sequences, raising the possibility that players might also control characters like Leon Kennedy, who has a longstanding personal stake in Raccoon City’s fate.

Insights from the Developers

During the Capcom Spotlight 2025 broadcast, director Koshi Nakanishi mentioned that while there was consideration to make Leon the main protagonist, this was ultimately deemed a poor fit for the horror-focused gameplay they envisioned. Additionally, early plans to turn Resident Evil: Requiem into an open-world game with online features were eventually abandoned after feedback indicated fans preferred a more traditional experience.

As development continues, fans can look forward to a game that balances nostalgic storytelling with fresh gameplay elements, all set against the backdrop of one of the most iconic locations in the series.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.