The next entry in the Resident Evil franchise is currently in active development, with industry chatter pointing to a new instalment from Capcom. An insider known online as AestheticActorDusk Golem, also referred to as Dusk Golem, has suggested that this instalment will push the series into open-world territory for the first time, offering players a larger, more interconnected landscape to explore and survive within.
While Capcom has not officially confirmed the project, there is growing speculation that a new Resident Evil game is already underway. Inside sources, including the insider AestheticGamer, have noted Capcom’s historical approach to greenlighting projects in triads, a pattern seen with the approvals of Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil 2, and Devil May Cry 5. If this cycle holds, the publisher could be moving toward validating another major core installment in the near future.
Dragon’s Dogma 2, a fantasy action RPG released recently, also marks Capcom’s continued use of the RE Engine and has introduced a more expansive, open-world experience for players. That same engine is reportedly powering two other Capcom ventures in development: a fantasy hunting action game titled Monster Hunter Wilds and the unannounced Resident Evil 9, which many fans are eagerly awaiting. This suggests Capcom is leveraging its engine to support multiple ambitious projects while maintaining distinct game identities across its catalog.
According to AestheticGamer, the planned Resident Evil 9 is expected to bring fresh ideas to the survival horror formula without sacrificing the series’ signature tone. The insider also hinted at a potential 2024 window for announcement and a 2025 release, though timelines in the game industry are notoriously fluid and subject to change as development progresses. The dialogue around release timing mirrors broader industry discussions and expectations among fans and analysts who monitor Capcom’s project roadmap closely.
Historically, investors and enthusiasts have watched Capcom’s project cadence with keen interest. Analysts often weigh internal development cycles, engine capabilities, and the publisher’s past release patterns when speculating about upcoming titles. In this context, the possibility of a Resident Evil title embracing open-world exploration marks a notable shift that could redefine how players experience the series while still keeping the core survival horror sensibilities intact. The debate continues as more information emerges and the studio clarifies its plans for the next generation of Resident Evil experiences.
Additionally, industry watchers have noted a broader trend in which successful franchises expand into open-world formats to offer more player freedom and longer play sessions. If Capcom proceeds with Resident Evil 9 in this direction, fans can anticipate design choices that balance atmospheric tension with expansive environments, varied encounters, and meaningful story integration. The interplay between a familiar survival horror DNA and a new, explored world could set a fresh benchmark for how the series evolves while preserving the identity that longtime players cherish. The ongoing discourse around this title remains lively, with anticipation built by teases from credible insiders and the company’s demonstrated willingness to experiment with its already popular engine and gameplay paradigms.