Resident Evil 2 Director Wants 'Non-Scary' Mode for New RE Game

Hideki Kamiya, the celebrated director of the iconic Resident Evil 2, has voiced a rather unconventional plea regarding Capcom's latest survival horror offering, Resident Evil Requiem. While the franchise is synonymous with terrifying encounters and nail-biting suspense, Kamiya, who openly admits his aversion to horror games, feels the series has perhaps strayed too far into the realm of the frightening for even its creators to fully grasp.

Kamiya's unique perspective emerged when his studio, Clovers Inc., shared a video of the team playing Resident Evil Requiem. During the stream, Kamiya expressed his long-held desire for a "non-scary" mode, suggesting a playful reimagining where zombies become cute, blood splatters transform into cherry blossom petals, and upbeat music replaces the dread-inducing score. This isn't just a passing thought; Kamiya doubled down on his remarks in a subsequent interview, stating he was "one hundred percent serious." He posited that the hyper-realistic graphics and high-fidelity presentation of modern games mean Capcom's development teams might have become "completely numb to how scary the thing they’re making is."

A Creator's Wishlist

Kamiya's desire stems from a place of wanting to appreciate the intricate puzzle design and engaging combat that Resident Evil Requiem undoubtedly offers, without the overwhelming psychological toll of its horror elements. It's a sentiment that, while perhaps counterintuitive to the very essence of the Resident Evil brand, speaks to a broader discussion about accessibility and the evolving nature of horror in video games. For a director who helped define the genre's early years, his current stance is certainly a curious one, suggesting a desire to engage with the mechanics he helped pioneer on his own terms.

"Nowadays, with how photorealistic and high-fidelity video games have gotten, the amount of crazy, horrifying things that people are able to put on the screen is absolutely insane, and I think anybody who’s on the Resident Evil teams at Capcom, at this point, they must all be completely numb to how scary the thing they’re making is."

— Hideki Kamiya

The Fan Perspective

For the legions of Resident Evil fans worldwide, Kamiya's comments offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a legendary developer. While many relish the intense scares and the challenge of overcoming terrifying odds, there's also a segment of the player base that, like Kamiya, might appreciate the opportunity to delve into the rich world-building and intricate gameplay without the constant adrenaline-fueled terror. The success of Resident Evil Requiem, which has reportedly boosted Capcom's quarterly sales, indicates the game is hitting the right notes for its core audience, but Kamiya's "non-scary" proposal sparks a conversation about how franchises can cater to a wider spectrum of player preferences without alienating their established fanbase. It raises the question: could a game series known for its scares successfully incorporate a mode that actively de-emphasizes them, or would it fundamentally alter the experience?

What's Next

While Capcom has not officially responded to Kamiya's suggestions, the conversation he has ignited is likely to resonate within the gaming community. Future installments of the Resident Evil saga will undoubtedly continue to push the boundaries of horror, but Kamiya's unique perspective serves as a reminder of the diverse ways players connect with and enjoy their favorite titles.