The Dead Rising franchise is getting a proper sequel after nearly a decade of silence. According to a report from MP1st, Capcom has been quietly developing a new Dead Rising game since 2023 under the codename Rec. The game will bring back fan-favorite protagonist Frank West and take the zombie action to Hollywood, specifically within a massive enclosed movie studio lot. This marks the first mainline entry since Dead Rising 4 stumbled in 2016, and it comes after last year’s successful Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster proved fans still have an appetite for the series.
What Makes This Game Different
The Hollywood setting opens up creative possibilities that fit perfectly with Dead Rising’s over-the-top style. Sources indicate the main villain will be an extravagant and deranged film director who forces Frank and other survivors into various trials, all in the pursuit of filming his perfect movie. It’s the kind of absurd premise that made the original games so memorable, mixing serious zombie survival with dark humor and bizarre situations. The movie studio setting means players can expect diverse environments within a single location, from Western sets to sci-fi soundstages, each packed with unique props to use as weapons.
This new entry appears to be a direct sequel to the original Dead Rising rather than continuing from where Dead Rising 4 left off. That’s significant because Dead Rising 4 was widely criticized for abandoning many core mechanics that fans loved. The timing suggests this game could take place between the first and second games, which would explain Frank’s return and potentially rewrite some of the series’ established timeline. Familiar characters like Isabela Keyes are reportedly returning, adding connections to the original story.
Classic Mechanics Are Coming Back
The report confirms that beloved Dead Rising mechanics will return. Frank’s camera, which was essential for earning prestige points by capturing dramatic zombie moments, will once again be part of the gameplay. The time limit feature, which created tension as players raced against the clock to complete objectives, is also making a comeback. This is crucial because Dead Rising 4 removed the timer and received backlash from longtime fans who felt it removed the series’ signature pressure.
The survivor rescue system might also return, though details remain unclear. In the original games, escorting survivors to safety was both rewarding and frustrating, creating memorable moments of chaos as you tried to protect helpless NPCs while fighting through zombie hordes. Given the movie studio setting with a villain forcing people into trials, the rescue mechanics could take on new dimensions beyond simply leading people to a safe room.
Why This Timing Makes Sense
Capcom’s decision to greenlight a new Dead Rising follows the success of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, which launched in September 2024. The remaster introduced Frank West to a new generation of players with enhanced graphics built on Capcom’s RE ENGINE, improved controls, and modernized quality-of-life features. The positive reception proved there’s still strong demand for the franchise when it’s done right. Capcom also saw how well their other classic franchises like Resident Evil and Street Fighter performed after receiving modern treatment, creating a blueprint for reviving Dead Rising.
The zombie genre itself has remained consistently popular in gaming. While some fatigue set in during the mid-2010s when zombie games flooded the market, Dead Rising’s unique blend of comedy, improvised weapons, and open-ended gameplay sets it apart from more serious zombie titles like The Last of Us or Days Gone. There’s room in the market for a game that lets you fight zombies with everything from lawn mowers to foam finger toys while wearing a ridiculous outfit.
Learning From Past Mistakes
Dead Rising 4 launched to mixed reviews in 2016, with critics and fans disappointed by changes that stripped away what made the series special. The game removed the timer, simplified the combat, took away Frank’s signature personality, and focused on a more generic zombie experience. Reports suggest the development was troubled, with the team attempting to reboot the series into a grounded style inspired by The Last of Us, which fundamentally misunderstood what Dead Rising fans wanted.
By bringing back classic mechanics and the original Frank West, Capcom appears to be course-correcting. The Hollywood setting with its eccentric villain suggests they’re embracing the series’ campy, outrageous tone rather than trying to make it darker and more serious. If Capcom learned anything from the remaster’s success and Dead Rising 4’s failure, it’s that fans want the franchise to be itself, not an imitation of other popular games.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Dead Rising game be released?
There’s no official release date announced yet. The game has reportedly been in development since 2023, but Capcom hasn’t confirmed the project publicly. Based on typical development timelines, a release in 2026 or 2027 seems possible if development continues smoothly.
Is Frank West definitely the main character?
According to the report from MP1st, Frank West is confirmed to return as the protagonist. This marks his return to the main series after being sidelined in Dead Rising 3 and changed significantly in Dead Rising 4.
What is the setting of the new Dead Rising game?
The game takes place in Hollywood, primarily within a massive enclosed movie studio lot filled with zombies. The diverse sets and environments within the studio should provide varied gameplay scenarios and weapon opportunities.
Will this game connect to Dead Rising 4?
It appears this will be a direct sequel to the original Dead Rising rather than continuing from Dead Rising 4. The timeline might place it between the first and second games, potentially retconning or ignoring events from later entries.
Are classic Dead Rising mechanics returning?
Yes, the report confirms that Frank’s camera and the time limit feature are returning. The survivor rescue mechanic may also come back, along with other elements that made the original games beloved by fans.
Who is developing the new Dead Rising game?
While not officially confirmed, Capcom appears to be handling development internally. The project is codenamed Rec and has been in active development since at least 2023.
What happened to Dead Rising after the fourth game?
Dead Rising 4 received mixed reviews in 2016, and the franchise went dormant for years. Capcom released Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster in 2024, which was well-received and likely convinced them to greenlight a new mainline entry.
Conclusion
The return of Dead Rising with Frank West in Hollywood represents exactly what fans have been asking for. After Dead Rising 4 tried to reinvent the series and failed, Capcom seems ready to embrace what made the original games special: absurd humor, creative zombie-killing, time pressure, and memorable characters. The movie studio setting with its deranged director villain fits perfectly with the franchise’s tone, offering diverse environments and ridiculous situations that should translate into chaotic, entertaining gameplay. While nothing is officially confirmed yet, the detailed nature of this leak and the timing following the remaster’s success suggest this project is real and moving forward. If Capcom can capture the magic of the original while modernizing the experience for today’s players, Dead Rising could reclaim its place as one of gaming’s premier zombie franchises.