Resident Evil 9 Reportedly Started Out As An Open-World Multiplayer Game, Was Rebooted In 2021

Noted Capcom insider Dusk Golem has shared some new details on the development of Resident Evil 9, claiming the as-yet unannounced horror sequel was originally conceived as an open-world multiplayer title.

Speaking on X, Golem stated that Resident Evil 9 was initially going to star Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine on a fictional island based off Singapore. However, the insider noted that Capcom rebooted development of the sequel in 2021 following the release of Resident Evil Village, and while many things changed, Leon is still featured as the main character.

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So RE9 originally started development in 2017 (Andi says 2016/2017, but it was in early 2017 after RE7 underperformed at launch to Capcom’s expectations. RE7 went on to have a huge tail in sales, but this was a bit reactionary. And the original version of RE9 was trying to be the opposite of RE7, IE big open world multiplayer game. RE9 originally starred Leon & Jill on a fictional island based off Singapore.

Elsewhere, Golem stated that the previously rumoured Resident Evil Revelations 3, which would have featured Rebecca Chambers in a starring role, was cancelled back in 2022. Back in May last year, the tipster also stated that Capcom is working on remakes of Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil CODE Veronica.

As for Resident Evil 9, Capcom has yet to reveal the title but it is widely believed we will get an official announcement this year ahead of the series’ 30th anniversary in March 2026. Golem had previously stated that Resident Evil 9 will be a major reinvention of the series, similar to the impact that RE4 and RE7 had on the franchise.

[Source – Dusk Golem on X via TheGamePost]