Capcom hides reference to Resident Evil 9 in commemorative video of RE4

In a move that mixes celebration with provocation, Capcom published a video on social media this Thursday, April 25, 2025, to celebrate the milestone of 10 million players in Resident Evil 4 — but what caught the attention of more attentive fans was a possible clue for Resident Evil 9, discreetly inserted in the content.

The video starts with Ada Wong exchanging words with an iconic villain of the series, in a light and satirical mood, until it cuts to Leon S. Kennedy facing a horde of infected... wearing party hats. Then, the tone changes to comedy: Dr. Salvador appears playing his chainsaw like a guitar, to the sound of a rock background, and Leon raises his fist in celebration in front of a wooden sign that reads: “Thank you for playing”.

The detail is exactly in that sign. When viewed from the side, it reveals the Roman numeral “IX”, that is, 9. Fans immediately pointed out that this detail did not exist in previous scenes of the same video, suggesting that it was included on purpose. The well-known leaker Dusk Golem was one of the first to spread the theory, reinforcing that it is a calculated teaser.

“I know what you did here,” replied a fan in the comments of the official post, reinforcing the speculation.

Although not openly confirming the title, Capcom had previously stated that the next game in the main franchise is in development and will be directed by Koshi Nakanishi, the same responsible for Resident Evil 7 — a chapter that redefined the series' style with its first-person view and more intimate tone.

“It was really difficult to decide what to do after Resident Evil 7,” commented Nakanishi during a recent presentation. “But I found the way. I can't share the details yet, but I'm looking forward to the day when I can reveal.”

Although not confirmed yet, rumors suggest that Resident Evil 9 will take place on an island inspired by Singapore, mixing tropical elements with decadent colonial architecture — an aesthetic change that may contrast with the darker environments of previous titles.

While we await an official revelation, this small gesture in the video may have been the first step to prepare the ground. With Capcom at the height of the franchise's popularity, especially after the remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, the expectation for a new numbered chapter could not be higher.