Japanese metal band BABYMETAL has announced a collaboration with the Resident Evil video game series to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. The partnership will feature an exclusive merchandise capsule. The news was revealed through a promotional video featuring character Alcina Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village.
The Resident Evil franchise, a cornerstone of survival horror gaming since its debut in 1996, is preparing for its 30th anniversary in 2026 with various celebratory initiatives. One highlight is the newly revealed merchandise collaboration with BABYMETAL, the Japanese kawaii metal group known for blending J-pop and heavy metal elements.
Announcement Details
The partnership was unveiled on November 2, 2025, via a social media post from the official Resident Evil account. In the video, Alcina Dimitrescu, the towering vampire antagonist from the 2021 game Resident Evil Village, announces the collaboration. The post states: "BABYMETAL (@BABYMETAL_JAPAN) and Resident Evil are joining forces to celebrate 30 years of survival horror. Get your hands on exclusive collaboration merchandise, coming in 2026."
While specific details about the merchandise—such as items included or design themes—remain under wraps, the capsule is expected to tie into the shared aesthetic of horror and heavy metal. Resident Evil has a history of intersecting with the metal genre, notably through its 2002 live-action film adaptation. That movie's soundtrack included contributions from Marilyn Manson, who provided the main theme, as well as tracks from Slipknot and Mudvayne.
This collaboration extends Resident Evil's expansions beyond gaming into merchandise and other media, building on its established fanbase. BABYMETAL's involvement adds a unique cross-cultural element, potentially appealing to fans of both the band and the franchise.
Background Context
Resident Evil has evolved from its original PlayStation roots into a multimedia empire, including films, animations, and extensive merchandise lines. The series' milestone anniversary underscores its enduring popularity in the gaming world.