Speaking during an interview with Futaman, Masato Kumazawa, producer on Resident Evil Requiem, has revealed that the development team have thought about a possible Japanese setting for the franchise.
When asked about the future of the 30-year-old survival horror franchise, particularly in regards to possible settings for upcoming Resident Evil titles.
We only started portraying characters aging with Resident Evil 4. In fact, we’ve even done things like moving the timeline backward between Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, so we don’t follow any set rules. That said, we do adjust the timeline based on the assessment that present-day stories help players feel more immersed. The timeline also changes depending on the characters and story we want to portray in each title. Even in Requiem, we have scenes set eight years prior, as well as even earlier periods. So, where the timeline goes from here will depend on the specific title.
I think a Japanese setting is something every Japanese Resident Evil fan has thought about, and I’ve also considered it myself. Since the development team is primarily based in Japan, I think every member has given it some thought. While Japan hasn’t appeared as a game setting so far, it might make an appearance at some point in the future.
While the early Resident Evil game were set in and around Raccoon City in the US mid-west, the series has moved to locations including Europe, Africa, and China. Resident Evil Requiem returned Raccoon City 28 years after the city was destroyed by the US government as a result of the T-Virus outbreak.
Resident Evil Requiem was released in February 2026 for PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. Capcom previously confirmed that it will be releasing a story expansion for the game, having recently launched the Leon Must Die Forever mini-game.