Why Resident Evil Will Likely Never Replicate Its Streak from 1998 to 2007

Key Takeaways

The Resident Evil franchise had a remarkable streak from 1998-2007 with yearly game releases.
Capcom is unlikely to replicate this streak.
Rumors suggest upcoming projects like Resident Evil 9, remakes, and a new movie in the works.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming history under my belt, I can confidently say that the Resident Evil franchise holds a special place in my heart. From 1998 to 2007, it was like Christmas every year as a new Resident Evil game graced our consoles. Those were the days!

From 1998 to 2007, Capcom’s Resident Evil series experienced an unparalleled run within the survival-horror genre, and it’s hard to imagine such success being matched again. The iconic Resident Evil franchise debuted in 1996, revolutionizing the gaming world with its groundbreaking contributions to the survival-horror genre. The original Resident Evil game remains a timeless masterpiece that has inspired countless imitators.

1998 saw Capcom releasing a direct sequel to the original “Resident Evil”, titled “Resident Evil 2”, which was set in Raccoon City. This second installment surpassed the success of its predecessor and marked the beginning of an impressive run for the franchise. After “Resident Evil 2”, there came other main series games like “Resident Evil 3”, “Code: Veronica”, “Resident Evil Zero”, and “Resident Evil 4”. Additionally, spin-off games such as “Resident Evil Survivor” and the “Resident Evil: Outbreak” duology were also developed. Notably, during this period, a remake of the first “Resident Evil” was released, with its version for the GameCube hitting shelves in 2002.

Between the years 1998 and 2007, there was a new Resident Evil game released annually without fail. The final installment in this consecutive run was “Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles” for the Nintendo Wii, which was an on-rails shooter that recounted stories from earlier games and expanded its own lore. A fresh Resident Evil sequence began with 2019’s remake of Resident Evil 2, but unless Capcom plans to unveil an unexpected RE title before the year concludes, this streak has now ceased.

Resident Evil Game Release Timeline

1996 – Resident Evil
1997 – N/A
1998 – Resident Evil 2
1999 – Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
2000 – Resident Evil Survivor
2000 – Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
2001 – Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica
2001 – Resident Evil Gaiden
2002 – Resident Evil (Remake)
2002 – Resident Evil Zero
2003 – Resident Evil: Dead Aim
2003 – Resident Evil Outbreak
2004 – Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2
2005 – Resident Evil 4
2006 – Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
2007 – Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
2008 – N/A
2009 – Resident Evil 5
2009 – Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
2010 – N/A
2011 – Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
2012 – Resident Evil: Revelations
2012 – Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City
2012 – Resident Evil 6
2013 – N/A
2014 – N/A
2015 – Resident Evil: Revelations 2
2016 – Umbrella Corps
2017 – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
2018 – N/A
2019 – Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
2020 – Resident Evil 3 (Remake)
2020 – Resident Evil: Resistance
2021 – Resident Evil Village
2022 – Resident Evil Re:Verse
2023 – Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
2024 – N/A

Since the latest run of Resident Evil games has concluded, it seems almost impossible for Capcom to recreate the magic they produced from 1998 to 2007, when fans got a new game every year. However, this doesn’t imply that we won’t see many more Resident Evil games in the future. Given that Capcom has remade several main series installments and exhausted their options, it seems likely that the release rate might decrease somewhat. Additionally, due to the rising costs and longer development times of video game production, it’s reasonable to expect a slowdown in the number of new Resident Evil games we see.

It’s been hinted that Capcom is currently working on at least three new projects related to the Resident Evil series. If these rumors hold true, then Resident Evil 9 is expected to be released around 2025. Additionally, there are whispers of remakes for Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil – Code: Veronica in development too. However, speculation about a second remake of the original Resident Evil has been dismissed by more reliable sources.

Regardless of circumstances, fans of the Resident Evil franchise can take comfort in the fact that they’ll always have fresh content to enjoy, even if a new main series game doesn’t release annually. In addition to video games, a new Resident Evil film is anticipated as well, ensuring an exciting future for enthusiasts.

2024-11-04 20:05

Key Takeaways

Resident Evil Game Release Timeline

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