CONTENTS

Hello, everyone!
In this issue, we'll be diving into the concepts that inspired the new video "Ode to Joy (Resident Evil Ver.)".
If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of this unique video,
then look no further than this article!

What does "Rejoice in Terror" mean, anyway?

At its core, Resident Evil is a series about people struggling bravely for survival against biological threats.
Hair-raising horror elements flow seamlessly into action scenes, making for an exhilarating, cathartic experience as you fight back against and eventually escape from the terrors around you.
Anticipation keeps you moving forward as you unravel the mysteries, improve your equipment, and take on creatures you once found too terrifying to fight. When you finally prevail, what can you call the resulting feeling but "joy"?
Terror turns to excitement, and dread to joy—this seemingly paradoxical yet crucial element of the Resident Evil series served as inspiration for this special video.

Interview with the Creative Team

In search of the spooky secrets behind this video, we sent the creative team some questions.

── What led to the decision to use Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in this video?

For one, "Ode to Joy" from Symphony No. 9 perfectly fits with our concept of "Rejoice in Terror"; plus, it has the added benefit of being a timeless piece known worldwide. Since the Resident Evil series also has a claim to fame in many countries, we wanted to make something that would resonate with fans around the world.

── What are some things that you paid special attention to when making this video?

Resident Evil offers a one-of-a-kind hair-raising horror experience, so one of the most difficult things about making this video was trying to express the "joy" found in that horror in a way that many would understand. Instead of opting for simply "scary", we amped up the fun factor by mixing in comedic elements as well.

── Any scenes that you wished you could include, but couldn't?

As you might observe when watching, we packed in a myriad of scenes with a large number of actors in this video, which required airtight planning. Adding on that the actors all produced incredibly realistic footage, there isn't anything we can recall that we had to cut.

── What's one scene that sticks in your mind?

There are plenty of good scenes to choose from, but perhaps the scene of the married couple in the kitchen. While they're talking, the strawberry juice in the blender bursts out and splashes all over them.
The filming was nerve-wracking as retaking would require extra time and a change of clothes, but thankfully, it went well in the first shot.

── Players have already found many hidden easter eggs in the video. Are there any that haven't been discovered yet?

The team has been looking at social media to see what players discovered, and, to our surprise, they've even picked up on the things we were worried might not get noticed. So, our apologies, but there's actually nothing more we can share that hasn't yet been discovered!
Thank you all for enjoying the video so much!

── Anything else you'd like to say to the players?

In the making of this video, we returned again and again to the question of what the essence of Resident Evil really is.
After multiple discussions, we finally settled on the phrase "rejoice in terror".
Overcome the terrors of Resident Evil, and you'll find an ineffable joy unlike any other.
This feeling isn't unique to Japanese players; we believe it's an experience shared by Resident Evil players across the globe.
This is why we believe Resident Evil has come to be so well-loved (or well-feared) around the world, and why we decided to make something that smashes through the language barrier to bring this terrific joy to as many people as possible.
Thank you all for enjoying this horrifically joyful experience with us!

To everyone giving love to the Resident Evil series

Without your continued support and your honest critiques, Resident Evil would not have become the beloved series it is today. We are always grateful for your support and encouragement.

The Resident Evil series is now accessible on a wide variety of platforms.
Settle in for a serious horror session in high definition, lie in bed and unwind with a little action, progress bit-by-bit on your phone while you're out and about—however you choose to play, we hope you'll find the joy in terror.