Yasuhiro Anpo, the director behind the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the revival of the 1998 classic. Anpo noted, "We realized: people really want this to happen," reflecting on the palpable fan interest in restoring the game to its former glory. This sentiment was echoed by producer Hirabayashi, who decisively stated, "Alright, we'll do it," marking the beginning of the project.

Initially, the team contemplated starting with Resident Evil 4, a game revered for its near-perfection since its release. However, the risk of altering such a beloved title led them to pivot towards the earlier Resident Evil 2, which they felt was in greater need of modernization. To ensure they met fan expectations, the developers delved into fan projects, gaining a deeper understanding of what the community desired from the remake.

Despite the enthusiasm from Capcom, the decision to remake these iconic games was not without its skeptics. Even after the successful launches of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, and the subsequent announcement of Resident Evil 4's remake, some fans questioned the necessity of updating Resident Evil 4, arguing it was less in need of a refresh compared to its predecessors.

The original Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, released in the 1990s for the PlayStation, featured elements like fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls that felt outdated by modern standards. In contrast, Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, was groundbreaking and had revolutionized the survival horror genre. Despite initial reservations, the Resident Evil 4 remake successfully maintained the essence of the original while enhancing both gameplay and narrative elements.

The overwhelming commercial success and glowing reviews of the remakes validated Capcom's approach, demonstrating that even a game considered nearly flawless could be respectfully reimagined with innovative touches. This reaffirmed Capcom's strategy and showcased their ability to blend reverence for the original with creative enhancements.