Masachika Kawata, producer at Capcom, has revealed the company’s strategy to maintain a steady annual release schedule for the Resident Evil franchise. Thanks to the commercial success of Resident Evil, alongside titles like Monster Hunter, Capcom is able to balance both quality and quantity by aiming to launch one new installment every year.
In a recent interview, Kawata explained that the revenue generated by Resident Evil games does more than just boost Capcom’s financial standings; it serves as a foundation that enables the studio to take creative risks on more experimental projects such as Pragmata and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. These titles stand out as rare ventures within an industry that is generally cautious about innovation.
Remakes as a Key to Consistent Releases
Understanding the challenges of producing a brand-new Resident Evil entry annually, Kawata emphasized the crucial role of remakes in achieving this goal. Revisiting and reimagining older games allows Capcom not only to meet their ambitious release targets but also to continually refine their development skills. He highlighted that remakes hold equal significance to the franchise’s mainline titles, underscoring their importance in Capcom’s broader strategy.
By leveraging remakes alongside new content, Capcom can sustain a prolific output without compromising on the quality that fans expect. This approach ensures that the Resident Evil franchise remains a consistent presence in the gaming market, while simultaneously supporting the company’s capacity to innovate and explore new creative directions.