The Resident Evil franchise is owned by the Japanese video game company Capcom. This multimedia horror franchise, known as Biohazard in Japan, has been under Capcom's ownership since its inception.
Understanding the Ownership of Resident Evil
Capcom, a leading video game developer and publisher, created the Resident Evil series in 1996. The franchise began with a survival horror video game, which Capcom developed and published, laying the groundwork for one of the most successful and enduring horror brands in entertainment. While the series has seen releases and significant remakes across various platforms, including the GameCube console, PlayStation, PC, and more, Capcom has consistently maintained full ownership and control over the intellectual property.
Capcom's ownership extends beyond just the video games. As a multimedia franchise, Resident Evil encompasses:
- Video Games: The core of the franchise, including main series titles, spin-offs, and remakes.
- Films: Live-action and animated movies.
- Animated Series: Television shows expanding the lore.
- Comics and Books: Printed media adaptations and original stories.
- Merchandise: A wide range of collectibles and products.
Capcom manages the development, publishing, and licensing of all these diverse media forms, ensuring consistency and growth across the entire Resident Evil universe.
Key Details of Resident Evil Ownership
Here's a quick overview of the ownership and fundamental aspects of the Resident Evil franchise:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner | Capcom |
| Franchise Name (Japan) | Biohazard |
| Genre | Survival Horror |
| Year Created | 1996 |
| Originating Company | Capcom |
| Primary Medium | Video Games |
Capcom's Role in the Franchise
Capcom's involvement with Resident Evil is comprehensive, covering all aspects from conceptualization to distribution:
- Development: Capcom's internal studios are primarily responsible for developing the main series video games, ensuring the quality and direction of the core narrative.
- Publishing: The company also publishes the games globally, managing distribution and marketing efforts.
- IP Management: Capcom actively manages the Resident Evil intellectual property (IP), overseeing licensing agreements for films, animated series, merchandise, and other adaptations to ensure they align with the brand's vision.
- Innovation: Capcom has consistently innovated within the series, reinventing gameplay mechanics and perspectives (e.g., shifting from fixed camera angles to over-the-shoulder and first-person views) to keep the franchise fresh and appealing to new generations of players while retaining its horror roots.
Capcom's enduring ownership and stewardship have been crucial to the Resident Evil franchise's longevity and continued success, establishing it as a global icon in the horror genre.
