RE: Requiem Producer Reveals Controversial Changes

• Return to Raccoon City: The series is heading back to its roots to expand on the core story for the fans.
• Stalker Enemy Confirmed: The controversial stalker mechanic will return, but the producer promises a more balanced experience and a wider variety of scares.
• No Merchant: In a major departure from recent titles, Resident Evil Requiem will not feature a merchant character.
• New Protagonist's Connection: The new lead, Grace, is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the cult classic Resident Evil Outbreak.

In a recent interview, Resident Evil Requiem producer Masato Kumazawa shed new light on the highly anticipated title, confirming a nostalgic return to Raccoon City but also revealing some controversial changes that have the community buzzing. The discussion provided critical details on game mechanics, character development, and the overall vision for the next chapter in the iconic survival horror saga.

Back to Where It All Began

Kumazawa explained the team's decision to revisit the iconic, zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City after the series explored new territories in Resident Evil 7 and Village. "By portraying these outskirts…I believe that going back to Raccoon City and back to the main part of the story, it’s best for the fans," he stated, suggesting a desire to uncover lingering mysteries from the city where the nightmare started.

Controversial Mechanics and Missing Faces

One of the most debated topics addressed was the return of a "stalker" type enemy, a persistent foe that has been a source of both terror and frustration for players in recent installments. Kumazawa acknowledged the mixed feedback from fans.

"I understand how there are a lot of opinions surrounding the stalker, but we are giving a survival horror experience," he explained. "We did learn from the past on how to balance it. We’re trying not to make it a main part. It’s like a small part of the game." He emphasized a focus on scaring players in diverse ways rather than relying solely on one mechanic. However, he confirmed there will be no option to disable it.

In a move that will significantly alter the gameplay loop for many, Kumazawa delivered a surprising revelation: "In this game, there’s no merchant character." This departure from the popular system featuring characters like The Duke in Village signals a shift back towards pure survival and resource management.

A New Generation with Familiar Blood

The game’s new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, has a direct lineage to the series' lore as the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Kumazawa hopes players will connect with her more readily than they did with Ethan Winters, who he described as being more of a "player's camera."

"We wanted to make sure that we show how she is scared – we show that by what kind of words she says, actions she does or how she acts when she’s surprised," he noted. While other characters from the Raccoon City incident will appear, the producer cautioned fans not to "over-expect or hype it."

When asked about the possibility of a new Outbreak-style game, Kumazawa stated there are no current plans, but strong fan demand could change that in the future. For now, players can look forward to the "fresh" take on the classic save room music when Resident Evil Requiem launches on PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, and PC on February 26, 2026.