Legacy and Future: Resident Evil Kicks Off 30th Anniversary with Striking New Artwork

The year 2026 is poised to be a monumental one for horror fans, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary Resident Evil franchise. While the official milestone is still a few months away, Capcom has already begun the celebration by launching a new website and, most notably, releasing a breathtaking piece of key artwork that beautifully encapsulates the series’ storied history. Revealed during Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live, the art is a powerful statement about the franchise’s enduring legacy and its bold new direction. It is a visual tapestry that weaves together the old and the new, paying homage to the past while boldly stepping into the future.

The new key art is a meticulously detailed illustration that brings together a stunning array of iconic characters. The centerpiece of the art features classic heroes and fan-favorites, including Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and Ada Wong. Each character is rendered in a new, regal style, seated in golden thrones. But what makes this art so special is the inclusion of the newest protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, the main character of the upcoming ninth main installment, Resident Evil: Requiem. Her presence in the art is a clear signal that Capcom views her as an equal to the franchise’s most beloved heroes and that the new game is an integral part of the series’ evolution.

A Visual Feast of Nostalgia and Newness

The art is more than just a simple character lineup. It is filled with subtle details and hidden Easter eggs that will delight long-time fans. Behind each character is a reference to a key antagonist from their respective games. Behind Jill is the hulking figure of Nemesis, a nod to the constant terror he inflicted upon her in Resident Evil 3. For Chris, a shadow of his nemesis, Albert Wesker, looms in the background, a reminder of their long-standing feud. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the characters’ feet, where items like Leon’s ammunition and Grace’s yellow herbs are scattered, hinting at new gameplay mechanics and returning features.

The inclusion of Grace is particularly significant. As the protagonist of the upcoming Resident Evil: Requiem, her appearance alongside the series’ mainstays visually ties the future of the franchise to its past. The new game, which is set to be a major event in the anniversary celebrations, is reportedly a conclusion to the long-running Umbrella and Raccoon City saga, a final farewell that will allow the series to explore new directions in the future. The artwork, which depicts her as a young FBI analyst returning to the tragic memories of the Raccoon City outbreak, serves as a powerful bridge between the past and the future.

The Road Ahead: Resident Evil’s 30th Anniversary

The new artwork is just the first step in a year of planned celebrations for the franchise. Capcom has launched a dedicated 30th anniversary website, which features the new artwork and a “Coming Soon” section that hints at more announcements to come. The first major event will be the launch of Resident Evil: Requiem on February 27, 2026, which is being positioned as a centerpiece of the anniversary. The game is being developed on the powerful RE Engine and is set to feature a number of innovations, including a new “Path Tracing” technology that will bring an unprecedented level of graphical fidelity to the series.

The 30th anniversary of Resident Evil is a testament to its enduring legacy as a pioneer of the survival horror genre. The franchise has consistently reinvented itself while staying true to its core principles of terror and suspense. The new artwork is a beautiful and powerful way to honor that legacy, and it’s an exciting promise of what’s to come for a series that shows no signs of slowing down. For fans of horror and gaming history, the next year is going to be a thrilling and terrifying ride.