A recently broadcast NHK documentary, 'Legendary Games Chronicle: Biohazard,' has given fans and industry insiders an unprecedented look into the naming process behind Capcom’s acclaimed Resident Evil series—known domestically in Japan as Biohazard.
The documentary, which aired in late May across Japanese television, dives into the origins of the survival horror classic and reveals a shortlist of rejected titles that preceded the iconic branding millions now associate with the franchise. Biohazard, Capcom’s groundbreaking title originally launched on the PlayStation in 1996, marked the dawn of modern survival horror and has since become a staple in both Japanese and international gaming culture.
While many are familiar with the game’s alternative titles across global markets, this documentary provides detailed insights into the creative decisions that shaped the name. According to the segment, Capcom’s development staff compiled a shortlist of 17 possible titles before finally settling on Biohazard.
Previously undisclosed, these internal deliberations shed light on the intense and varied brainstorming that contributed to the game’s branding.
The list includes evocative candidates such as "Hazard," "Death Hazard," and the striking "Bio Slaughter." Other potential titles noted by the documentary include "Call of Death" and "Scream," which, based on newly translated commentary, were favored by director Shinji Mikami and members of the creative team at the time. Ultimately, the decision came down to producer Tokuro Fujiwara, who authorized the use of "Biohazard"—a term that neatly captured the game’s atmospheric tone and setting.
This pivotal moment in Capcom’s development history underscores the importance of internal collaboration and creative negotiation in shaping a franchise’s identity. The documentary’s list of rejected names, as presented visually in the NHK program, includes: - Death Shadow - Be Afraid - Strained - Hazard - Death Guide - Biohazard - Death Hazard - Death Bleed - Bloody Fear - Call of Death - Bio Slaughter - Scream - Death Limit These revelations were brought to broader attention by industry commentator @Genki_JPN, who highlighted the historical value of the artifact for longtime Resident Evil and Capcom fans.
While 'Legendary Games Chronicle: Biohazard' is currently available only in Japanese, there is anticipation for a subtitled release on the NHK World App, allowing non-Japanese audiences to explore this fascinating history in greater depth. The NHK series previously spotlighted iconic properties such as Final Fantasy, underscoring Japan’s rich legacy of game development and international influence.
As Resident Evil continues its legacy with new titles on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and other hardware, understanding the franchise’s origins offers fans and creators alike a deeper appreciation for the creative journey behind one of gaming’s most influential series.
The documentary, which aired in late May across Japanese television, dives into the origins of the survival horror classic and reveals a shortlist of rejected titles that preceded the iconic branding millions now associate with the franchise. Biohazard, Capcom’s groundbreaking title originally launched on the PlayStation in 1996, marked the dawn of modern survival horror and has since become a staple in both Japanese and international gaming culture.
While many are familiar with the game’s alternative titles across global markets, this documentary provides detailed insights into the creative decisions that shaped the name. According to the segment, Capcom’s development staff compiled a shortlist of 17 possible titles before finally settling on Biohazard.
Previously undisclosed, these internal deliberations shed light on the intense and varied brainstorming that contributed to the game’s branding.
The list includes evocative candidates such as "Hazard," "Death Hazard," and the striking "Bio Slaughter." Other potential titles noted by the documentary include "Call of Death" and "Scream," which, based on newly translated commentary, were favored by director Shinji Mikami and members of the creative team at the time. Ultimately, the decision came down to producer Tokuro Fujiwara, who authorized the use of "Biohazard"—a term that neatly captured the game’s atmospheric tone and setting.
This pivotal moment in Capcom’s development history underscores the importance of internal collaboration and creative negotiation in shaping a franchise’s identity. The documentary’s list of rejected names, as presented visually in the NHK program, includes: - Death Shadow - Be Afraid - Strained - Hazard - Death Guide - Biohazard - Death Hazard - Death Bleed - Bloody Fear - Call of Death - Bio Slaughter - Scream - Death Limit These revelations were brought to broader attention by industry commentator @Genki_JPN, who highlighted the historical value of the artifact for longtime Resident Evil and Capcom fans.
While 'Legendary Games Chronicle: Biohazard' is currently available only in Japanese, there is anticipation for a subtitled release on the NHK World App, allowing non-Japanese audiences to explore this fascinating history in greater depth. The NHK series previously spotlighted iconic properties such as Final Fantasy, underscoring Japan’s rich legacy of game development and international influence.
As Resident Evil continues its legacy with new titles on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and other hardware, understanding the franchise’s origins offers fans and creators alike a deeper appreciation for the creative journey behind one of gaming’s most influential series.
