Resident Evil: Twenty Years of Virtual Horror (updated for its 30th Anniversary in 2026)

This article provides a comprehensive historical and critical overview of the Resident Evil franchise, tracing its evolution from the original 1996 release to its 30th anniversary in 2026. It explores the development of the survival horror genre, the creative vision of Shinji Mikami and Hideki Kamiya, and the technical innovations, narrative strategies, and gameplay mechanics that have defined the series. The text examines key titles across the mainline franchise, including the original Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2 and 4, and subsequent entries such as Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, as well as notable spin-offs, remakes, and adaptations in film, animation, and merchandise. It analyses the franchise’s impact on gaming culture, the commercial and critical reception of its releases, and the strategic decisions made by Capcom in response to fan feedback and market trends. By combining detailed historical research, technical analysis, and cultural commentary, this article aims to contextualise Resident Evil not only as a pioneering survival horror series but also as a case study in franchise longevity, fan engagement, and media convergence in contemporary video game culture.Originally published in Spanish on CoolJapan.es.