Resident Evil Requiem to Get Major Gamescom Showcase on August 19

Capcom will drop a major new look at Resident Evil Requiem during Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 19. The game, set for release on February 27, 2026, has already broken two franchise records in development and is shaping up to be the most ambitious Resident Evil yet. Fans can expect gameplay footage, possible story reveals, and maybe even confirmation of long-standing rumors.

Resident Evil Requiem is confirmed to be playable at Gamescom, meaning the new footage will not just be cinematic but will showcase actual gameplay. With the game offering both first- and third-person perspectives for the full campaign, attendees will likely be among the first to directly compare the two modes. Capcom has not confirmed whether a public demo will be released, but Gamescom might bring that surprise alongside other announcements, such as pre-order details.

The showcase will happen during Geoff Keighley’s Gamescom pre-show, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT, streaming on YouTube and Twitch via The Game Awards channels.

Resident Evil Requiem, launching February 27, 2026, brings the series back to Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation for the first time in over a decade. Marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the game shifts focus from recent side stories to the main narrative, with new protagonist Grace Ashcroft — a journalist and daughter of Resident Evil Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft — exploring the city’s decayed, iconic setting. Capcom aims for a grounded, horror-driven tone, moving away from action-heavy leads like Leon Kennedy to deliver a more vulnerable and tense survival experience.

Breaking Franchise Records Before Release

The excitement around Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just about the return to Raccoon City or the introduction of new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Resident Evil Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft. According to reliable Resident Evil leaker AestheticGamer (aka Dusk Golem), the game already holds two major records within the series — the longest development cycle and the biggest budget “BY FAR.”

“The runner-ups aren’t even close,” claimed Dusk Golem, emphasizing just how far Capcom is going in terms of resources and time.

This aligns with the broader trend of longer, more expensive AAA game productions, but it also hints at the scale of Capcom’s ambitions. Few details have been officially shown so far, with the promise of more “surprising features and gameplay innovations” to come later in the marketing cycle.

Ambition on a New Level

Resident Evil 7 successfully revitalized the series with a smaller, focused horror experience. Resident Evil Village expanded that scope again, and Requiem looks set to push it even further. Dusk Golem suggests the game will serve as a narrative conclusion to the events of Resident Evil 1 and 2, potentially tying up long-running story threads.

There’s also speculation that this could be the final “numbered” Resident Evil entry, even though the game’s title doesn’t actually display the number 9. Past this point, Capcom may move toward fresh storylines, new protagonists, and different creative directions for the franchise.

With ambition comes risk. Requiem aims to blend returning characters, a major new lead, dual camera perspectives, and possibly multiple playable characters into one cohesive horror experience. Pulling off that balance will be challenging, but it’s exactly the kind of bold move that has led to some of the series’ most iconic entries, such as Resident Evil 4.

A Key Year for Horror Fans

By the time Requiem launches, it will have been five years since Resident Evil Village. While recent remakes have kept the franchise alive in players’ minds, a fresh mainline entry has been long-awaited. And it’s not just Resident Evil making headlines — horror fans have a packed calendar. Silent Hill f arrives in September 2025 alongside Cronos: The New Dawn, marking a surge of big-budget horror releases.

Capcom’s 2026 schedule is equally impressive. Alongside Requiem, the company is preparing the long-delayed sci-fi IP Pragmata, new entries in Onimusha and Monster Hunter Stories, plus ongoing updates for Street Fighter 6 and Monster Hunter Wilds. Requiem is positioned as the flagship release of that lineup, expected to kick off a wave of excitement in the horror gaming scene.

What to Watch for on August 19

When Gamescom arrives, fans will be watching for confirmation on a few major points. First, whether Leon Kennedy will be a playable character, something hinted at in rumors but not officially confirmed. Second, whether the public will get to try the demo at home. And finally, any hints at the larger story arc that Requiem is set to conclude.

Capcom’s track record suggests they won’t show everything at once, but the scale of the project means every new reveal will be heavily dissected by fans. With the game breaking records before its release, and with a playable Gamescom build ready, August 19 may mark the moment when the most ambitious Resident Evil entry begins to fully take shape in the public eye.

If the development cycle and budget are truly as massive as claimed, Resident Evil Requiem could end up being one of the most significant horror releases in gaming history — a high-stakes gamble that could pay off in spectacular fashion.