Resident Evil 9 has undergone one of the most dramatic development transformations in gaming history. What started as an ambitious open-world multiplayer experience has evolved into something completely different, thanks to insider leaks from reliable sources like Dusk Golem.
The Original Vision That Never Was
Resident Evil 9 development began in 2017, immediately after Resident Evil 7 failed to meet Capcom’s initial sales expectations. The company wanted to create “the opposite of RE7” – a massive open-world cooperative experience that would bring the franchise into new territory.
The original concept featured several ambitious elements that would have completely changed the series direction. Players would have explored a fictional Singapore-based island in an expansive open world setting. Most surprisingly, Jill Valentine was planned as the primary co-op partner, marking her return to mainline entries after years of absence.
Why Capcom Hit the Reset Button in 2021
Everything changed when Resident Evil Village became a massive success. According to development insiders, Capcom realized they had been heading in the wrong direction with their original Resident Evil 9 plans. The company initiated what sources describe as a “pretty heavy reboot” of the entire project.
This decision fundamentally altered the game’s structure, removing the cooperative elements and Singapore setting. The development team shifted focus back to single-player survival horror, but with modern innovations that would still push the franchise forward.
Leon Kennedy’s Role and Character Changes
Despite the major overhaul, Leon Kennedy remains central to Resident Evil 9’s story. Insiders describe this as “the conclusion of his trilogy,” building upon character development from both Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 remakes. However, the supporting cast has changed dramatically from original plans.
Jill Valentine, who was initially planned as a major playable character, now has minimal involvement in the final version. This represents one of the biggest disappointments for fans who were hoping to see classic characters team up in the next mainline entry.
New Character Introductions in Resident Evil 9
The current version introduces a brand-new playable protagonist alongside Leon. This mysterious character serves a specific purpose – rebooting the franchise for future installments. Capcom appears to be setting up this new character to carry the series forward beyond the original cast’s storylines.
Technical Innovations and Engine Improvements
Development sources indicate that Resident Evil 9 will feature significant technical improvements, including an advanced version of Capcom’s RE Engine. The game underwent extensive playtesting phases, with particular attention paid to performance optimization for various gameplay scenarios.
Interestingly, recent leaks suggest the game might still include some open-world elements, particularly sections set in Raccoon City where players can use vehicles for exploration. This represents a compromise between the original open-world concept and traditional survival horror gameplay.
Release Timeline and Marketing Strategy
The extensive development changes have significantly impacted Resident Evil 9’s release schedule. Originally planned for earlier release, the game has been delayed twice due to the major reboot and Capcom’s commitment to quality. Current estimates point to a 2026 release window, specifically in the first quarter of the year.
Capcom has also considered dropping numerical titles from future Resident Evil games, though Resident Evil 9 will likely retain its number. The company views this entry as both a conclusion to storylines that began with the original game and a new beginning for the franchise’s future direction.
What This Means for the Franchise
These development changes signal Capcom’s commitment to innovation while respecting the series’ survival horror roots. The company learned valuable lessons from both Resident Evil 7’s initial reception and Village’s eventual success, applying those insights to create something that balances fan expectations with fresh gameplay mechanics.
The decision to scrap the multiplayer elements and refocus on single-player experience shows Capcom understands what made recent entries successful. However, the inclusion of open-world sections and vehicle gameplay suggests they’re still willing to experiment within established frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Jill Valentine be playable in Resident Evil 9?
No, according to reliable insider sources, Jill Valentine does not play a major role in the final version of Resident Evil 9, despite being a central character in the original scrapped concept.
Is Resident Evil 9 still an open-world game?
The game is no longer fully open-world like the original concept, but recent leaks suggest it will include open-world sections, particularly in Raccoon City areas where players can use vehicles.
When will Resident Evil 9 be released?
Current insider information points to a first quarter 2026 release window, though Capcom has not officially confirmed any release date.
Will Resident Evil 9 have cooperative multiplayer?
No, the final version is designed as a single-player experience. The original cooperative multiplayer concept was completely removed during the 2021 reboot.
Who are the playable characters in Resident Evil 9?
Leon Kennedy remains the main protagonist, with a new character serving as a second playable protagonist designed to carry the franchise forward in future games.
Will the game be called Resident Evil 9?
While Capcom has considered dropping numbers from future titles, Resident Evil 9 will likely retain its numerical designation as it serves as a conclusion to storylines from the original games.
Conclusion
The transformation of Resident Evil 9 from an ambitious multiplayer experiment to a focused single-player experience demonstrates Capcom’s willingness to make difficult decisions for the franchise’s benefit. While fans may be disappointed about losing Jill Valentine and cooperative gameplay, the changes appear designed to deliver the survival horror experience that made recent entries so successful. With its 2026 release approaching, Resident Evil 9 promises to be both a satisfying conclusion to Leon’s story and an exciting beginning for the franchise’s future.