The Resident Evil franchise, launched by Capcom in 1996, has sold over 170 million units worldwide as of 2025, generating around $11 billion in revenue across games, films, and merchandise. Remakes of classics like RE2, RE3, and RE4 have driven this explosive growth, pulling in tens of millions of new sales while revitalizing the survival horror genre. Now, Resident Evil 9 (also called Resident Evil Requiem) is building massive hype with fluid perspective-switching, new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, and Leon S. Kennedy's return, positioning it as potentially the series' pinnacle.
Origins of Resident Evil
Resident Evil debuted on PlayStation, introducing survival horror with fixed cameras, resource scarcity, and the Spencer Mansion's zombie-infested halls. It sold over 5 million copies despite initial mixed reception for tank controls. Early sequels like RE2 (over 11 million sold in remake form) expanded the lore around Raccoon City and Umbrella Corporation, blending puzzles, combat, and narrative twists.
The series peaked commercially in the 1990s-2000s but faced fatigue by the mid-2010s after action-heavy entries like RE5 and RE6 underperformed relative to expectations. Capcom's pivot back to horror saved it, but remakes supercharged the comeback.
The Remake Revolution Begins
The 2002 Resident Evil remake for GameCube modernized the original with better graphics, adaptive difficulty, and Crimson Head zombies, selling steadily over time. It proved classics could thrive with updates.
True momentum hit in 2019 with Resident Evil 2 Remake, which sold over 15 million units using Capcom's RE Engine for stunning visuals and over-the-shoulder aiming. Dual campaigns for Leon and Claire, Mr. X's relentless pursuit, and faithful-yet-refined storytelling earned universal acclaim, reigniting fan passion.
RE3 and RE4 Remakes Smash Records
Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020) followed, selling over 10 million despite shorter length and Nemesis tweaks. It captured Jill Valentine's desperate escape, boosting series totals.
The 2023 Resident Evil 4 Remake became the fastest to 10 million sales, surpassing originals in pace and hitting that mark under two years. Enhanced parry mechanics, expanded Ada Wong content via Separate Ways DLC, and QTE-free action preserved the cult favorite's over-the-shoulder innovation while amplifying horror. These remakes contributed to the franchise crossing 167-178 million units, outpacing even Monster Hunter for Capcom.
| Remake | Release Year | Sales Milestone | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE2 | 2019 | 15M+ | Revived horror roots, dual campaigns |
| RE3 | 2020 | 10M+ | Nemesis chase perfection |
| RE4 | 2023 | 10M+ (fastest) | Action-horror blend, awards sweep |
Franchise Growth and Milestones
Remakes didn't just sell; they expanded the audience. RE Village (RE8) hit 11 million, blending RE7's first-person terror with gothic action. Total revenue hit $11 billion, making Resident Evil the top-grossing horror franchise ever.
Capcom's strategy—consistent releases, RE Engine upgrades, and catalog discounts—drove long-tail sales. Without remakes, the series risked stagnation post-RE6; instead, it became Capcom's bestseller.
RE9: Development and Announcement
Capcom confirmed RE9 in 2024, directed by RE7's Koshi Nakanishi, targeting Q1 2026. Leaks suggest a February 27, 2026 release, with reveals at events like Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards.
Development since ~2018 scrapped open-world multiplayer concepts for a focused horror experience. Trailers tease Raccoon City return, tying into lore like the original outbreak.
RE9's Story and Characters
Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst, investigates her mother's hotel murder post-Raccoon City, uncovering horrors. Leon Kennedy returns for action segments, potentially closing his trilogy (RE2, RE4, RE9). Leaks hint at Alyssa from Outbreak DLC.
This blends investigation with combat, rooted in franchise lore for deep fan service.
Innovative Gameplay Features
RE9 mixes perspectives: swap first-person (Grace's tense exploration) to third-person (Leon's fights), echoing RE Village's update. Parries, chainsaws, vehicles, and gore amp brutality.
Demos showcase gore and fluidity, promising RE Engine peaks. It's "the most ambitious" entry, reinventing like RE4 or RE7.
Why RE9 Could Be the Best
RE9 builds on remake successes: modern graphics, refined mechanics, and hybrid perspectives for accessibility. Leon's inclusion satisfies veterans, Grace adds fresh psychological horror. Amid 170M+ sales momentum, a 2026 launch could push totals higher, especially with GTA6 competition overcome by horror purity.
Fan hype from leaks and showcases positions it as peak RE—terrifying, replayable, lore-culminating. Capcom's track record suggests another hit.
