Kamiya Says Capcom Has Become Desensitized to Resident Evil's Horror
Hideki Kamiya, director of Resident Evil 2, has reiterated his request for a less frightening version of Resident Evil Requiem, suggesting a mode with cute zombies and upbeat music. He argues that Capcom's developers have become desensitized to the horror they create. Kamiya also noted he found the game too scary to fully enjoy, despite wanting to revisit the iconic Raccoon City Police Department.
Kamiya's request stems from his desire to revisit the Raccoon City Police Department, an area he originally designed for Resident Evil 2, but the photorealistic horror of the new title proved too intense. His studio's March gameplay video captured his complaints in real time, and he later confirmed his seriousness in an August interview.
The director has made these appeals directly to Capcom's Resident Evil team members in private conversations, but they reportedly respond with genuine confusion, believing their games aren't excessively frightening. Kamiya maintains his proposal is straightforward: minor adjustments like altered zombie appearances, brighter lighting, and removing blood would make the games accessible to horror-averse players.
This story highlights a growing divide between game developers and more sensitive players. Kamiya's position as a respected creator could influence how studios approach accessibility options, potentially normalizing intensity settings that accommodate broader audiences. If Capcom responds positively, it may set a precedent for other horror franchises to consider similar accommodations, expanding their potential player base without diminishing the experience