Capcom removed an entire chapter from Resident Evil Requiem before its release, director Koshi Nakanishi has revealed. Nakanishi described the move as part of a rigorous development process aimed at delivering the best user experience. The game, released earlier this year, has become the fastest-selling title in the series.
Koshi Nakanishi, director of Resident Evil Requiem, discussed the cut content in an interview with Denfaminicogamer. He likened the process to editing text or video, where developers gather material and eliminate superfluous elements to improve pacing and message clarity. Nakanishi noted that entire chapters commonly disappear during early revisions, not in final stages, emphasizing that subtraction is crucial for a better result despite disappointment for creators involved. He stressed responsibility for the final product rests with the team if it enhances the intended experience. The director drew parallels to Resident Evil 7, which he also led and which originally featured a scrapped Chapter 2 transitioning from an outbuilding to the main house. Nakanishi explained that Resident Evil games must appear challenging yet remain approachable for casual players, avoiding added explanations that could confuse. Gameplay follows the same principle: elements are cut if they obscure accessibility, even after hard work. Resident Evil Requiem, starring Leon and newcomer Grace, launched earlier this year to strong sales, marking it the quickest to sell in franchise history. Earlier this week, Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya confirmed Leon's name draws from Luc Besson's 1994 film Léon: The Professional.