It’s been almost nine years since the release of Dead Rising 4, the latest installment in CAPCOM’s signature zombie-themed action series. While the game received positive reviews at the time, it failed to meet the company’s sales expectations, sending the series into a downward spiral. While veteran developer CAPCOM Vancouver later attempted a different project, this was canceled, and the studio was shut down entirely in 2018. This closure cost the company approximately $40 million, including the canceled projects. Rumors that the studio was working on Dead Rising 5 before the closure, and that the game would be set in Mexico, surfaced years later.

Capcom’s anticipated move: Frank West and Dead Rising are returning

While CAPCOM has recently enjoyed significant success with series like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter, Dead Rising has been on the back burner for a while. However, the recently released Deluxe Remaster was both well-received and achieved solid sales figures, despite some controversial changes to Frank West’s face. It’s believed that the publisher, inspired by this success, has greenlit a brand new game. According to a new report published by MP1st, a new game codenamed “Rec” has been in development since 2023.

This new installment is reportedly set to return the iconic character of the series, Frank West. It’s suggested that the game will be a sequel to the original Dead Rising, with the story set between the first and second installments. The report states that the events will take place on a massive Hollywood film studio lot. A deranged director will subject Frank and the other survivors to a variety of mind-bending trials to create the “perfect movie.”

It’s also claimed that among the “Psychos” the director will assign to stop Frank will be a character whose life Frank previously saved. The time limit mechanic, absent from the fourth installment, is also reportedly returning with this installment. Frank’s camera is also said to be returning, and familiar characters like Isabela Keyes are also said to be featured in the story. If the project truly begins in 2023, considering average development times, the game could be at least two or three years away from release.

So, what are your thoughts on the series returning to its roots? Are you excited to embark on Hollywood adventures with Frank West?