An established leaker has now revealed that Resident Evil 9 is progressing smoothly in development, indicating a timely unveiling for fans. This update corrects an earlier claim made by the same source, who previously suggested a delay in the next installment of the Resident Evil series.
The Resident Evil franchise remains a cornerstone for Capcom and a trailblazer in the survival horror genre in gaming. Since its inception in 1996 with the original Resident Evil, the series has maintained a dedicated fan base eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this acclaimed saga. The most recent mainline release, Resident Evil Village, debuted almost three years ago, sparking curiosity about when Capcom will shed light on the unofficially named Resident Evil 9.
Renowned Resident Evil leaker AestheticGamer, also known as Dusk Golem, initially indicated internal setbacks for Resident Evil 9. However, they have since retracted that statement. The insider now projects that the reveal of Resident Evil 9 is imminent, with a planned early 2025 launch, targeting January as Capcom's internal goal. AestheticGamer shared a detailed Twitter thread outlining this rumor and disclosed intriguing insights into the potential 7-year development journey of Resident Evil 9.
Simultaneous Development of Resident Evil 9 and Village by Capcom
The leaker revealed that Resident Evil 9 commenced development in early 2018 as a potential RE8, while Resident Evil Village also entered development around the same time with a similar purpose. Village later transformed into a spin-off before returning to its original status as the eighth installment. AestheticGamer claimed that due to this fluidity, Resident Evil 9 and Resident Evil Village were being developed simultaneously. This practice is standard, as Resident Evil projects are typically greenlit in groups to ensure frequent releases, with additional Resident Evil titles purportedly in progress.
The inevitable arrival of Resident Evil 9 is imminent given the series' immense popularity, making it challenging for Capcom to overlook. If the leaks are accurate, it could potentially be the most ambitious chapter in the franchise's history, boasting a substantial budget and extensive development period. As we approach summer with various gaming expos like the Xbox Games Showcase, Summer Game Fest, and the rumored PlayStation Showcase, the unveiling of Resident Evil 9 might be just around the corner.