Resident Evil 7's success revived the franchise, partly inspired by The Last of Us during a challenging time for Capcom.
Resident Evil 7's development context
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was released nearly a decade ago and marked a major shift in the Resident Evil series, following the formula-changing Resident Evil 4. This new direction was a bold risk for Capcom, which had faced criticism for previous entries like Resident Evil 5 and 6.Capcom's difficult period post-RE6
The release of Resident Evil 6 in 2012 brought commercial success but also widespread criticism from both critics and players. It failed to appeal to fans of the series, horror enthusiasts, or action gamers, leaving Capcom in a challenging position.Influence of The Last of Us
During this difficult time, Capcom observed the success of The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed horror game by Naughty Dog. Despite being a horror title, The Last of Us achieved both critical and commercial success, which influenced Capcom's approach to Resident Evil 7.Capcom's strategic shift
Capcom decided to learn from The Last of Us rather than follow the trends set by games like Call of Duty. This decision led to multiple iterations of Resident Evil 7, with a focus on storytelling and a desire to achieve the kind of critical success seen in other influential games.Resident Evil 7's success
The changes made to Resident Evil 7 ultimately paid off, helping Capcom regain its standing in the gaming industry. The game is now seen as a key part of the franchise's resurgence and a turning point for the series.
