First Look at Resident Evil Requiem Gameplay: Capcom Explains Why Leon Isn’t the Ideal Protagonist

Oh boy, so the Capcom Spotlight happened in June, and all eyes were on this Resident Evil Requiem thing. I mean, everyone was buzzing, hoping for this big, mind-blowing gameplay reveal. Spoiler: didn’t exactly happen.

Instead, what we got was a, uh, “Creators’ Message” video. Yeah, sounds fancy, right? Not so much. It was mostly some developers chatting away, with bits of gameplay footage tossed in, like a mishmash of talking heads and quick clips. I half expected a cooking show afterward.

But hey, they did spill some beans about the direction they’re taking with this sequel. Basically, Grace—the lead—she’s got this deep connection to the Ashcroft family from, remember Resident Evil Outbreak? I barely do, but apparently, it’s significant. It’s all about stepping away from the Winters saga and diving back into the whole Raccoon City and Umbrella drama. Oh, and it’s the series’ 30th birthday, so everything sorta clicks, I guess?

A bunch of folks are scratching their heads over why Leon isn’t taking the lead. I mean, he’s practically tied to Raccoon City like peanut butter to jelly. The reasoning? Capcom wanted someone who, I dunno, scares more easily? Leon’s too cool for spooks, I suppose. Enter Grace, who’s FBI, yes, but more in sync with us mere mortals—clueless, inexperienced, and all that. At least she’s good with a gun, so that’s something.

Anyway, we got to see from the Summer Game Fest previews that you can play the game in both first and third-person. Capcom swears this wasn’t influenced by the third-person DLC for Resident Evil Village. Apparently, it’s more about players sticking hardcore to one view or the other. Funny how we get so picky, right?

Circle your calendar: February 27, 2026, that’s when Resident Evil Requiem drops on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Can’t say I’m not curious.