Resident Evil Requiem leaks prompt ex-Capcom director to wish death for offending gamers

More than a week before the horror game’s release date, Resident Evil Requiem leaks spread on social media. Capcom responded by asking buyers who possess copies to resist posting spoilers. It threatened copyright strikes for gamers who share screenshots and videos. However, the former Resident Evil 2 director has called for a far more severe punishment.

Kamiya is a controversial figure

Hideki Kamiya joined Capcom in 1994 and eventually led development on projects including RE2 and Devil May Cry. Known for his aggressive behavior on social media, he often confronts or blocks fans. Still, his latest series of posts may seem particularly unhinged.

Despite no longer working at the company, the colorful personality took a strong stance against Resident Evil Requiem leaks. Machine translated, he calls them, “a detestable act that destroys everyone's happiness and deserves a thousand deaths.” To any guilty parties, Kimaya says, “May you be cursed to never play games again.”

The message was likely influenced by events prior to the debut of a past survival horror title. Kamiya referenced Biohazard 2, the original Japanese version of the second mainline entry in the series. A magazine exposed a critical part of its narrative, enraging the director at the time.

While likely hyperbole, some fans aren’t amused by Kamiya’s position. Players may feel that if they receive a physical disc of a game early, they have the right to discuss their experiences. Reddit and various forums often require readers to click on censored text to reveal secrets.

On the other hand, Capcom can pursue gamers who upload media ahead of the February 27th Resident Evil Requiem release date. The publisher also acted quickly when a Twitch broadcaster began streaming the Switch 2 port on February 16th.

RE9 has already been spoiled for many fans

The prospect of DMCA takedowns and copyright strikes hasn’t stopped the flood of leaks. Followers already know whether key characters survive, and what other surprises await.

Limiting more titles to digital-only distribution could be a solution to the problem. Even so, the outrage over a refuted GTA 6 rumor that Take-Two might axe a physical release is telling. Collectors who pre-order deluxe editions won’t willingly give up their boxed copies and trinkets.