Kamiya: Capcom ignores how scary Resident Evil is
The man who conjured some of the most enduring and terrifying moments in gaming is often found to be an unexpected contrarian. Hideki Kamiya, the visionary behind classic titles like Resident Evil 2, has always maintained a clear-cut aversion to the genre of horror.
Yet, when speaking with industry insiders, Kamiya has opened up about a fascinating paradox: despite his personal distaste for scary material, he is now calling out Capcom for what he perceives as a profound disconnect regarding the true impact of their flagship franchise.
Kamiya suggests that the developers seem to have lost sight of just how genuinely frightening and masterful their survival horror games truly are. This observation stems from a deep, personal hesitation.
The conflict is personal and palpable. While he expressed a desire to experience the franchise, including upcoming installments like Resident Evil Requiem, he admitted that the inherent fear holds him back.
This aversion creates a unique hurdle for creators. Even for someone who created the genre’s gold standard, stepping back into the world of horror can be daunting. Kamiya explained that the sheer level of fear involved makes revisiting the ruined landscapes and narratives, such as the iconic R.P.D. site, an experience he finds difficult to approach.
It highlights the often-complex relationship between the creator, the product, and the audience. For Kamiya, the weight of the horror is not just in the game’s design, but in the personal response it elicits, turning the celebrated genre into a uniquely challenging experience.