Resident Evil Requiem, the highly anticipated sequel in Capcom’s blockbuster survival horror franchise, is set to launch exclusively with a CERO Z rating in Japan, marking the highest age classification under the country's video game content guidelines.
The game will release worldwide on February 27, 2026, with availability confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
Director Koshi Nakanishi recently addressed the level of explicit violence featured in Resident Evil Requiem, emphasizing that while the gore in the upcoming title is significant, it is never employed merely for shock value.
In an interview with Automaton, Nakanishi outlined Capcom's rationale behind offering only the unaltered CERO Z version in Japan, a departure from the dual-rating approach often seen in previous Resident Evil releases—which typically provided both D (ages 17 and above) and Z (ages 18 and above) editions with variable content. "Since the release of Resident Evil 4 remake, we have standardized on launching only the CERO Z version for Japan," Nakanishi explained, reinforcing that this philosophy extends to Requiem.
All footage showcased at recent events came exclusively from this domestic CERO Z build.
The director candidly acknowledged that certain sequences in Resident Evil Requiem may push the boundaries of what even a CERO Z rating permits: "There are moments where players may genuinely wonder if this still qualifies as CERO Z.
In that regard, we've gone further than many might anticipate," he shared.
However, Nakanishi was quick to clarify that this intensity serves narrative and gameplay needs, not gratuitous effect.
"Our primary goal isn't to pursue gore for its own sake.
In crafting dramatic or tense encounters, some degree of graphic depiction becomes necessary.
We want players to fully experience the intended direction and presentation of the game without compromise." This decision underscores Capcom's ongoing commitment to immersive storytelling and creative authenticity within the Resident Evil series.
The company's adherence to a single, uncut rating ensures that Japanese players will experience Resident Evil Requiem as the developers intended, aligning with Capcom's broader strategy since the release of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Resident Evil Requiem's uniform CERO Z rating notably sets it apart from previous entries, demonstrating Capcom’s evolving approach to age classification and content regulation in the Japanese market.
As anticipation mounts for its multi-platform debut on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, fans can expect a gripping yet responsibly crafted horror experience that respects both creative vision and player maturity.
The game will release worldwide on February 27, 2026, with availability confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
Director Koshi Nakanishi recently addressed the level of explicit violence featured in Resident Evil Requiem, emphasizing that while the gore in the upcoming title is significant, it is never employed merely for shock value.
In an interview with Automaton, Nakanishi outlined Capcom's rationale behind offering only the unaltered CERO Z version in Japan, a departure from the dual-rating approach often seen in previous Resident Evil releases—which typically provided both D (ages 17 and above) and Z (ages 18 and above) editions with variable content. "Since the release of Resident Evil 4 remake, we have standardized on launching only the CERO Z version for Japan," Nakanishi explained, reinforcing that this philosophy extends to Requiem.
All footage showcased at recent events came exclusively from this domestic CERO Z build.
The director candidly acknowledged that certain sequences in Resident Evil Requiem may push the boundaries of what even a CERO Z rating permits: "There are moments where players may genuinely wonder if this still qualifies as CERO Z.
In that regard, we've gone further than many might anticipate," he shared.
However, Nakanishi was quick to clarify that this intensity serves narrative and gameplay needs, not gratuitous effect.
"Our primary goal isn't to pursue gore for its own sake.
In crafting dramatic or tense encounters, some degree of graphic depiction becomes necessary.
We want players to fully experience the intended direction and presentation of the game without compromise." This decision underscores Capcom's ongoing commitment to immersive storytelling and creative authenticity within the Resident Evil series.
The company's adherence to a single, uncut rating ensures that Japanese players will experience Resident Evil Requiem as the developers intended, aligning with Capcom's broader strategy since the release of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Resident Evil Requiem's uniform CERO Z rating notably sets it apart from previous entries, demonstrating Capcom’s evolving approach to age classification and content regulation in the Japanese market.
As anticipation mounts for its multi-platform debut on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, fans can expect a gripping yet responsibly crafted horror experience that respects both creative vision and player maturity.
