Recently, Biohazard series executive producer Jun Takeuchi explained in the 30th-anniversary book "Biohazard 30th Special" that when Capcom launched a new round of modern remakes, they did not choose the original Resident Evil, but started with Resident Evil 2. Gameplay style and the narrative starting point of the series were the main considerations for the team's decision.
Jun Takeuchi stated that the 1996 original differs significantly in design and atmosphere from subsequent titles. Its sense of horror largely stems from narrow, restricted, and tightly controlled environments. The team was concerned that this gameplay approach, which relies on limitations to shape the experience, might not align with modern players' preferences, so they did not select it as the first remake project.
Narrative was another consideration. Capcom views the Raccoon City disaster as the actual starting point of the series' story, believing that allowing players to experience this event firsthand is a more suitable way to engage with the roots of the series' narrative. The original game mainly revolves around the Spencer Mansion, emphasizing limited resource management, puzzle-solving, and survival in a confined environment; Resident Evil 2 expands the disaster to Raccoon City and tells the story of the virus outbreak from the perspectives of Leon and Claire.
Capcom released Resident Evil 2 Remake in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 Remake in 2020 and Resident Evil 4 Remake in 2023. Jun Takeuchi did not reveal any specific plans for remaking the original game this time.