Resident Evil Requiem, the latest entry in the Resident Evil video game series, was originally intended to be an online multiplayer game, according to its producer, Masachika Kawata. Kawata revealed this in the Biohazard 30th Special Mook, a 124-page color publication designed for fans, which details the full history of the Resident Evil series, its creatures, and includes interviews with developers. Kawata noted that the game's director, Koshi Nakanishi, initially envisioned it as an online experience, but the research findings during development were inconclusive. As a result, the team decided to stick with the traditional solo survival horror format and abandon the online mode. Kawata also explained that the character Leon S. Kennedy was the first protagonist considered for the game. However, the team realized that using Leon, who is known for his combat skills, would make the game too action-oriented and less scary. Leon was also the first confirmed protagonist, but the developers ultimately decided to introduce a new character, Grace, to enhance the horror elements and create a more balanced experience. Kawata explained why Capcom kept the game's details secret until its release: "By keeping the secret about the game, which would evolve between horror and action, until the end, we succeeded in maintaining public hype until its release." This strategy helped build anticipation and ensure a strong reception when the game was finally launched. The initial idea of making Resident Evil 9 an online game is not entirely unexpected, given that Capcom's leadership had previously pushed for multiplayer modes and microtransactions in Resident Evil 7. Jun Takeuchi, franchise producer, mentioned in 2022 that Capcom encouraged developers to create games that players wanted, often giving them specific instructions. He said, "We were told: 'Do this, do that,' it was really difficult for the directors. 'Online multiplayer' here, 'downloadable content' there. 'Games-as-a-service! Microtransactions! Create a Resident Evil that checks all the boxes!'" Takeuchi noted that the multiplayer concept was quickly abandoned. If they had managed to develop it properly, they could have created an exciting multiplayer horror game, but they lacked compelling ideas and eventually settled on a solo format. This decision, while challenging for marketing teams, resulted in a traditional survival horror experience. Capcom continues to actively develop its flagship licenses, including Resident Evil. The series has recently received a cinematic adaptation directed by Zach Cregger, and a remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica is scheduled for February next year. Given that the developers of Resident Evil 9 opted for a solo experience, it is possible that another online version of Resident Evil could be released in the future—perhaps a revival of Resident Evil Outbreak, an earlier online game in the series.