Resident Evil producer Jun Takeuchi has offered a perplexing explanation for the title of the recently released Resident Evil Requiem, suggesting its meaning extends beyond the traditional definition of a requiem. Speaking in the Biohazard 30th Anniversary Special, Takeuchi indicated that the spelling of the title itself, 'REQUIEM,' holds a deeper significance.
'Requiem isn't just a title chosen for its meaning of 'requiem,'' Takeuchi stated. 'The spelling of Requiem (REQUIEM) contains not only the 'RE (response)' ... but also a 'Q (question).' In other words, this 'Requiem' presents both an 'answer' and a 'question.' I will explain the meaning of that at some point in the future.' This statement has only deepened the mystery surrounding the game's narrative and its place within the broader Resident Evil lore.
Furthermore, Takeuchi hinted at a long-term plan for the remake series and the main numbered titles to converge. He explained that the series currently operates on a 'two-pronged approach,' with the numbered entries progressing the main story and the remakes revisiting past events. 'Eventually, the remake series will catch up to the era of the numbered titles, and the mechanisms for that are already being considered,' Takeuchi revealed. He noted that preparations for this eventual crossover have been underway since Resident Evil Village, citing elements like the reappearance of the Umbrella and Spencer names, and Raccoon City's inclusion in Requiem as steps in this direction.
While Takeuchi did not specify the form or timeframe for this potential crossover, Resident Evil Requiem has already begun bridging the gap between eras by featuring classic protagonist Leon S. Kennedy alongside new heroine Grace Ashcroft. The only other officially confirmed Resident Evil title in development is a remake of Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, which currently lacks a release date.