The Resident Evil franchise may be one step closer to dipping its toes in the realm of virtual reality gaming on PlayStation 4, Capcom has hinted during its Integrated Report 2015 this week (via GI.biz).
The Japanese software giant confirmed that Development Division 1, which is responsible for the Resident Evil series and headed up by Jun Takeuchi, the producer of Resident Evil 5, will be focusing heavily on virtual reality gaming going forward.
"At present, we are focusing our energy on challenging the virtual reality (VR) game market," said the company. "In this terrifying world, you can twist and turn as you like, but there’s no escaping the creatures closing in on you…until you remove your VR headset and return to reality, that is. We delivered this very experienced [sic] with our ‘Kitchen’ VR technical demo at E3 2015. The response was excellent. Currently, we are building a new game development engine able to support VR, which is the hottest market right now, while simultaneously developing titles for current game consoles. We have just set sail on our latest voyage."
"The point is to be able to develop something that is a half-step ahead of user expectations-expectations which aren’t readily apparent in the marketing data. To achieve this, we create teams that band tightly together while making use of each member’s individual skills. As we are setting out into unexplored territory there are plenty of obstacles to overcome, but we do this together and enjoy the adventure; in this sense, we have to create a team similar to a band of pirates."
PlayStation VR, formally known as Project Morpheus, is scheduled for release in the first half of 2016, though a price point has yet to be announced. However, Sony has previously suggested that the device may be positioned at the same cost as a new games console.
Resident Evil will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016, having first launched on the PlayStation in Japan on March 22, 1996. While Capcom has yet to announce the long-rumored Resident Evil 7, it has been dropping hints on the much anticipated sequel for a while now, and recently indicated the game will ‘bring back horror‘ to the series. In addition, the publisher is planning on re-releasing Resident Evil Zero for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC in high-definition in early 2016, as well as bundling it with this year’s Resident Evil HD Remaster as part of the Resident Evil Origins Collection. Finally it’s also working on the squad-based shooter, Resident Evil Umbrella Corps, for the PS4.
Looking beyond 2016, the company is also working on a complete remaster of the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2, although the project is still in the very early stages of development. Like us, we’re sure you can’t wait to see some of the game’s iconic scenes presented in glorious HD on the PS4. While you wait, why not find out if there’s anything you didn’t know about the original version of the game by taking a look at our feature.