Copies of the upcoming horror game Resident Evil Requiem appeared online before its official release date, prompting a response from Capcom. The company requested that those who obtained early copies refrain from sharing spoilers and threatened legal action against players who post screenshots or videos. However, Hideki Kamiya, the director of the earlier Resident Evil 2, called for a much harsher response.
Kamiya a Controversial Figure
Hideki Kamiya joined Capcom in 1994 and eventually led development on projects including RE2 and Devil May Cry. He’s known for aggressive behavior on social media, often confronting or blocking fans. His recent posts, however, have drawn particular attention.
Despite no longer working for the company, Kamiya strongly condemned the leak of Resident Evil Requiem. He described the act as “a disgusting thing that ruins everyone’s happiness and deserves a thousand deaths” and told those responsible to “be cursed and never play games again,” according to a translation of his posts. This strong reaction highlights the increasing challenges game developers face in protecting their intellectual property before launch.
The outburst likely stems from a past experience with a pre-release reveal. Kamiya referenced Biohazard 2, the original Japanese name for the second main installment in the series. A magazine prematurely revealed a key plot point, infuriating the director at the time.
While likely an exaggeration, Kamiya’s stance hasn’t resonated with all fans. Some players believe that if they purchase a physical copy of a game, they have the right to discuss their experiences. Online forums and platforms like Reddit often require readers to click through spoiler warnings to reveal secrets.
Capcom, for its part, is actively pursuing those who upload media related to Resident Evil Requiem before its February 27 release date. The publisher similarly swiftly acted when a streamer began broadcasting a Switch 2 port on February 16.
RE9 Already Spoiled for Many
The threat of DMCA takedowns and copyright strikes hasn’t stopped the flow of leaks. Followers already grasp whether key characters survive and what surprises await them in the game.
Limiting more titles to digital-only distribution could be a solution to the problem. However, the backlash following a debunked GTA 6 rumor—that Take-Two might eliminate physical releases altogether—is telling. Collectors who pre-ordered deluxe editions are unlikely to welcome the loss of boxed copies and collectibles.
