In an announcement that surprised almost everyone, the final trailer of Summer Game Fest 2025 was for the newest entry in the Resident Evil franchise: Resident Evil Requiem.
The official ninth installment in the mainline Resident Evil franchise, the trailer took a markedly different tone than any of its predecessors. Showcasing a more grounded, realistic setting and tone that almost embraces that of Silent Hill rather than of the beloved zombie-filled survival horror series.
The trailer seemingly showed off Resident Evil Requiem’s protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who must return to the location her mother was murdered in order to investigate a series of murders. Apparently taking place in the bombed-out ruins of Raccoon City the trailer also showcased a number of familiar locations as well as some new and terrifying ones.
While Capcom has been fairly tight-lipped about Resident Evil Requiem, its official website states, “Prepare to escape death in a heart-stopping experience that will chill you to your core.” The trailer seemed to show off a combination of more eldritch monsters alongside a human antagonist and possibly the return of classic zombies.
Although it was hard to tell during the trailer what was gameplay and what was cutscene, Resident Evil Requiem may maintain the first-person perspective of its predecessors—outside of more cinematic-style cutscenes. But with how Resident Evil Village’s “Winters” DLC was able to adapt that game in third-person, coupled with the success of the Resident Evil 2 & 3 Remakes, it could mark a return to traditional form.
However, players will have to wait to experience true survival horror as Resident Evil Requiem is slated for a February 27th, 2026 release.
