Producer explains why Capcom releases so many Resident Evil remakes

The Resident Evil franchise games would ideally be released annually.

Capcom has successfully revived the Resident Evil franchise and is actively releasing remakes of various installments. However, some players would also like to see spin-offs.

In a conversation with Game Informer, producer Masachika Kawata explained Capcom's approach. On one hand, remakes are a way to regularly support the franchise – the company would like to release a new Resident Evil every year – and on the other hand, a way for developers to challenge themselves:

One of the reasons for creating remakes is that releasing a full-fledged new installment of the Resident Evil series every year would be a very challenging endeavor. Therefore, the ability to revisit old games and remake them helps Capcom achieve this goal – to release one Resident Evil game annually, and also allows the team to constantly challenge themselves and improve their skills.

Masachika Kawata clarified that this does not mean that “remakes are less important.” In fact, they are just as important to developers as the main installments of the series. Releasing updated versions helps to secure funds for new installments and experiments:

Capcom is fortunate to have found a model that continues to provide financial resources for the creation of both new Resident Evil installments and entirely new franchises like Pragmata. Thus, there is an interconnectedness between them.

The producer noted that the team “gives their all” when working on new titles, such as Resident Evil Requiem, or remakes. Masachika Kawata acknowledges that some players would like to see more spin-offs or similar projects, but there are not enough resources for everything:

So, at the moment, our efforts are directed precisely at these projects. We are so focused on this and put all our energy into it that, I think, we simply don't have any resources left for spin-offs right now.