One of the most exciting features of the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem is the ability for players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives on the fly. It’s a fantastic design choice that lets everyone experience the horror exactly how they want. But after showcasing the game at major events in Germany (Gamescom) and Japan (Tokyo Game Show), the developers at Capcom noticed a surprisingly clear trend in who was choosing which view, and it shines a light on the deep cultural roots of our gaming habits.
A Tale of Two Continents
The observation was simple but stark. At Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, the development team watched as the vast majority of Western players who sat down for the demo chose to play in first-person. However, when the same demo was presented at the Tokyo Game Show, the trend completely flipped. Most Japanese players opted for the more traditional third-person perspective.
It was such a distinct split that it got the game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, thinking about the ‘why.’ His theory has less to do with modern trends and more to do with the formative gaming experiences of players in each region.
The FPS vs. JRPG Divide
According to Nakanishi, the preference is likely a product of gaming history. In the West, particularly in the ’90s, the PC gaming scene exploded with revolutionary first-person shooters like Doom. For an entire generation of gamers, the first-person view became the default way to experience immersive, action-oriented games. It’s a perspective that puts you directly in the character’s shoes, making the action feel immediate and personal.
In contrast, Japan’s gaming culture was built around the living room console. The most popular and culturally significant games were third-person RPGs like Dragon Quest on the Famicom (the Japanese version of the NES). For millions of Japanese players, their foundational gaming memories involve controlling a character they can see on screen, navigating a world from an external viewpoint. “I think those kinds of differences are significant,” Nakanishi commented.
Are the Times Changing?
Of course, Nakanishi acknowledges that this is a broad generalization and that the lines are blurring. The global popularity of modern first-person games like Minecraft and Apex Legends means that many younger Japanese players are now just as comfortable with the first-person perspective as their Western counterparts. It will be fascinating to see if this cultural divide in playstyle preferences shrinks or disappears entirely with the next generation of gamers.
Ultimately, this is why Capcom’s decision to include both perspectives is so brilliant. Instead of forcing players into one style, they are embracing the fact that people enjoy games differently. Whether you want the up-close, personal terror of first-person or the cinematic, situational awareness of third-person, Resident Evil Requiem has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Resident Evil Requiem developers notice?
They observed that Western players at Gamescom were more likely to play the demo in first-person, while Japanese players at Tokyo Game Show preferred the third-person view.
Why do the developers think this difference exists?
Game director Koshi Nakanishi speculates it’s due to historical gaming habits. Many Western gamers grew up with first-person PC shooters, while Japanese gamers grew up with third-person console RPGs.
Can you switch views at any time in Resident Evil Requiem?
Yes, the game is the first in the mainline series to give players full control to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives whenever they choose.
Which perspective is considered better for horror?
It’s subjective, but first-person is often seen as more immersive and terrifying because your view is limited, while third-person offers better situational awareness. The developers have stated that the choice of perspective impacts how scary the experience is.
When is the release date for Resident Evil Requiem?
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2.
Conclusion
The feedback from the Resident Evil Requiem demos provides a fascinating glimpse into how our gaming roots continue to shape our preferences today. It’s a testament to the diverse history of the global gaming community. Rather than seeing one view as “correct,” Capcom’s observation highlights the importance of player choice. By accommodating both styles, they are ensuring that this next chapter of survival horror will be as accessible and terrifying as possible for everyone, no matter which side of the world—or the camera—they’re on.