Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem marketing strategy has been strange, but we've finally got our first look at combat

• Capcom has revealed new gameplay of Resident Evil Requiem on Japanese TV
• The new gameplay segment showcases gun combat with the main protagonist, Grace Ashcroft
• The game's marketing may be ramping up with The Game Awards set for December 11

Months after Resident Evil Requiem's reveal during Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest 2025, Capcom has remained very tight-lipped about the upcoming instalment of its action-horror franchise, often leaving fans frustrated by the marketing. However, that seemingly stops from here on out.

During a Resident Evil special program broadcast on Japanese TV (video available below), Resident Evil Requiem's combat was revealed, with the game's main protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, fending off zombies, as spotted by reputable leaker AestheticGamer aka Dusk Golem on X.

For the first time, Grace Ashcroft can be seen wielding and firing a pistol at a zombie before being bitten and pursued by another aggressive flesh-eater, in a sequence that's very reminiscent of those in Resident Evil 2. It highlights Capcom's obvious attempts to call back to the classic horror experience that longtime fans are familiar with the franchise, as we revisit Raccoon City in the game.

While it's likely satisfying for many Resident Evil fans like myself to finally see some new footage after months of seeing the gameplay demo featuring the game's stalker enemy, this reveal's time and place highlight how strange and unusual Capcom's marketing cycle has been for what is, arguably, its most anticipated titles in years.

Fortunately, though, the marketing secrecy may be coming to an end, with The Game Awards 2025 set for December 11 (also hosted by Geoff Keighley), and this reveal suggests a bigger revelation is on the horizon.

Capcom has already confirmed that a Resident Evil showcase is set for early 2026, and The Game Awards 2025 is the last big stage where a major reveal would be ideal. Hence, the chances of marketing going full force are very likely – unless, of course, we end up seeing the same exact content, again.

Analysis: I'm happy for Capcom to not show all of Requiem's cards, but not tidbits

Since Resident Evil Requiem is already open for pre-orders, many would have expected to at least see more of what the game has to offer in terms of its gameplay and mechanics, but that hasn't been the case.

I'm very appreciative of Capcom holding their cards close to not spoil or reveal too much of the experience before its February 27, 2026, launch, but that doesn't mean showing the same content for the majority of the game's marketing cycle is okay either.

Although it's happened in a very strange manner with a reveal seemingly exclusive on Japanese TV (mind you, this is a globally beloved franchise), it's a step in the right direction, and I'm confident a major character reveal is brewing for The Game Awards, followed by an extensive gameplay showcase in January.

The best horror games for scares, frights, and screams

➡️ Read our full guide to the best horror games
1. Best overall:
Alien: Isolation
2. Great for multiplayer:
Dead By Daylight
3. Best remake:
Dead Space
4. Best story:
Alan Wake 2
5. Best Resident Evil:
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

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