Resident Evil Requiem warning: Is it suitable for children?
The head of the General Studies Department at the Technical College in Jeddah, technical expert Naif Al-Thubaiti , issued an important warning to parents as the anticipation for the new release of the famous horror series intensifies, stressing that the Resident Evil Requiem is not suitable for children in any way, given its intense psychological content and scenes that may negatively affect the mental health of young age groups.
Historical context: The legacy of renewed terror
These warnings come as the world eagerly awaits the ninth installment of the series that has been the cornerstone of the survival horror genre since its launch in the mid-1990s. The Resident Evil for its ability to reinvent itself, from the fixed angles of the classic games, through the action of the fourth installment, to the terrifying first-person perspective of the seventh. The new installment, Requiem, as the culmination of Capcom's more than 25 years of experience, making it a must-have for seasoned gamers, but it also raises the bar for content unsuitable for children.
Release details and platforms
According to official announcements and reliable leaks discussed by Al-Thubaiti, the game is scheduled for a global release on February 27, 2026. It will be available on a wide range of platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, meaning broad access for various player segments. This necessitates heightened parental controls.
Why is it not suitable for children?
Al-Thubaiti explained that the game relies on creating an atmosphere of constant tension and deep psychological terror, rather than simply using traditional "horror jump scares." The presence of characters like the new hero, Grace Ashcroft, and the return of the beloved Leon Kennedy, facing biological and psychological threats, puts the player under constant stress. The expert advised activating age rating systems (such as PEGI or ESRB) on home consoles and not allowing teenagers to play using noise-canceling headphones or in completely dark rooms to reduce the intensity of immersion in the game's terrifying world.
Design philosophy and industry trends
Technically, the appointment of director Koshi Nakanishi (director of the successful seventh installment) to lead this project indicates a clear intention to return to raw horror. Reports suggest the game may adopt an open-world system for the first time in the series, offering greater freedom of exploration but also increasing suspense and fear. This development reflects a general trend in the gaming industry toward delivering interactive, cinematic experiences for adults, comparable in quality to Hollywood's biggest productions.
Between entertainment and education
In closing, Al-Thubaiti also highlighted the positive aspects of the gaming world, explaining that the industry is not limited to horror but is also moving towards gamification (learning through play). However, he emphasized the need to differentiate between educational games that develop skills and those intended purely for entertainment and aimed at adults, in order to ensure a healthy digital environment for children.
