Veteran developer Hideki Kamiya, known for directing the original Resident Evil 2 and for his work on Bayonetta, says Capcom’s Resident Evil games have become too scary. In a recent discussion with VGC, Kamiya floated an optional mode that would reduce horror elements so players who cannot handle tension, monsters, or disturbing settings can still follow the story and finish the game. He stressed he is 100 percent serious and cited his own difficulty completing Requiem as context.
Kamiya’s case for a less-scary option
Kamiya argues that advances in realistic visuals have heightened fear in ways that can make the experience harder to finish for some players. The proposal isn’t to diminish the experience for everyone, but to offer an alternative path that preserves the core game while dialing back some of the scarier elements. He envisions optional adjustments that could alter how enemies look, how lighting is used, or how much blood appears, keeping the original experience intact for players who want it.
To illustrate how such a system could work, Kamiya points to settings in his own games—Bayonetta introduced the Very Easy Automatic mode to make combat more accessible, while Bayonetta 3 offers Naïve Angel Mode to reduce explicit content. He even joked about placing paper bags over zombies’ heads, but the underlying idea is clear: provide an opt-out for players seeking a less intense horror experience.
What this could mean for Capcom and RE
Kamiya has already shared these ideas with Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi, who appeared surprised by the suggestion. The exchange suggests a level of comfort within the team regarding the high level of fear in Resident Evil, and it highlights the potential for optional accessibility-oriented options without altering the foundational experience for those who prefer the traditional, scarier route.
Kamiya’s Resident Evil roots provide context
Kamiya’s long history with the series—dating back to directing the original Resident Evil 2 and contributing to the early entries—lends weight to his reflections on the franchise’s current tonal direction. His comments come as the series continues to evolve with photorealistic visuals and intense horror moments, even as he openly contemplates how some players might wish to engage with the story without the same level of fright.
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