The Devil May Cry series found its primary inspiration in the classic epic poem, The Divine Comedy, penned by Dante Alighieri. Beyond its literary roots, the game's genesis also lies in a significant shift during the development of what was initially conceived as a PlayStation 2 installment for the Resident Evil series.
Core Literary Inspiration
The foundational concept for Devil May Cry is loosely based on The Divine Comedy by the renowned Italian poet Dante Alighieri. This influential work provides a narrative framework that the game series draws upon, influencing character names, themes, and aspects of its demonic world.
From Survival Horror to Stylish Action
The journey of Devil May Cry began unexpectedly within the realm of survival horror. Following the successful completion of Resident Evil 2 in 1998, preliminary work commenced on a new Resident Evil title intended for the PlayStation 2. This early development was undertaken by a team known as Team Little Devil, under the direction of Hideki Kamiya. During this developmental phase, the project veered into a direction that diverged significantly from the established Resident Evil formula, featuring more action-oriented combat and a distinct gothic, supernatural aesthetic. This creative evolution ultimately led to the decision to rebrand the game as a new, standalone intellectual property, giving birth to the Devil May Cry series.
To summarize the inspirations and origins:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Literary Basis | The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri |
| Initial Concept | A new Resident Evil title for PlayStation 2 |
| Development Team | Team Little Devil |
| Director | Hideki Kamiya |
| Predecessor | Development began after the completion of Resident Evil 2 |
