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." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively state, "Alright, we'll do it," setting the stage for the project.

Initially, the team at Capcom considered remaking Resident Evil 4 first. However, they recognized that the game, released in 2005, was already highly acclaimed and nearly perfect in its original form. The risk of altering such a beloved title was significant, leading the team to pivot towards the older Resident Evil 2, which they felt needed a more substantial update. To ensure they met fan expectations, the developers delved into fan projects, gaining valuable insights into what the community desired from a modernized version.

Despite Capcom's internal deliberations, the fanbase also had its reservations. Even after the successful releases of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, and the announcement of the Resident Evil 4 remake, some fans argued that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, did not require an update to the same extent. The original Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, launched in the 1990s on the PlayStation, featured elements like fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls that were clearly outdated. In contrast, Resident Evil 4 had revolutionized the survival horror genre upon its release in 2005.

Despite these concerns, the Resident Evil 4 remake successfully captured the essence of the original while enhancing gameplay and narrative elements. The commercial triumph and overwhelmingly positive reviews validated Capcom's approach, demonstrating that even a game considered nearly flawless could be respectfully reimagined with a creative touch.