Yasuhiro Anpo, the visionary director behind the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, shed light on the journey that led to the revival of the iconic 1998 game. Anpo shared that the decision to update Resident Evil 2 was sparked by the fervent enthusiasm of fans yearning to see the classic restored to its former glory. In his words, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively declare, "Alright, we'll do it."

Initially, the team at Capcom toyed with the idea of remaking Resident Evil 4. However, after thorough discussions, they recognized that the game, lauded as nearly perfect, posed a significant risk for any alterations. Consequently, the focus shifted to the earlier entry in the series, which was in dire need of a modern overhaul. To align their efforts with fan expectations, the developers meticulously analyzed fan projects, gaining insights into what players truly desired.

Despite Capcom's confidence, doubts persisted not only within the company but also among the fanbase. Even after the successful releases of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, and the announcement of the next installment, fans voiced concerns about the necessity of updating Resident Evil 4, a game they believed did not require as much of an update as its predecessors.

While Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, originally launched in the 1990s on the PlayStation, were plagued with outdated elements like fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls, Resident Evil 4 broke new ground in 2005. Despite initial skepticism, the Resident Evil 4 remake successfully captured the essence of the original while enhancing gameplay and narrative elements significantly.

The overwhelming commercial success and glowing critical acclaim validated Capcom's strategic choice. It demonstrated that even a game revered as nearly flawless could be respectfully reimagined with a creative touch, affirming the potential for remakes to breathe new life into beloved classics.