In a significant milestone for one of gaming’s most iconic horror franchises, the Resident Evil 2 remake has officially dethroned Resident Evil 5 to become the best-selling game in the entire series. According to the latest sales data released by Capcom, the 2019 reimagining of the classic survival horror title has reached an impressive 19.5 million copies sold worldwide, surpassing the previous record holder which had maintained its position with 19.01 million units since its release in 2009.
This achievement represents more than just a numbers game — it symbolizes a philosophical shift in what Resident Evil fans truly want from the franchise. The remake’s success validates Capcom’s decision to return to the series’ survival horror roots after years of experimentation with more action-oriented gameplay that characterized titles like Resident Evil 5 and 6.
The Rise of Leon Kennedy’s Reimagined Adventure
The Resident Evil 2 remake, released in January 2019, represented a ground-up reconstruction of the 1998 PlayStation classic. Unlike a simple remaster, Capcom rebuilt the entire game using their proprietary RE Engine, delivering stunning photorealistic graphics, over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay, and modernized controls while preserving the atmospheric tension that made the original a landmark title. Players once again stepped into the shoes of rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fought to survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City.
The original Resident Evil 2 was itself a massive success when it launched, selling over 5 million copies and cementing the franchise’s position as a cornerstone of the survival horror genre. The remake not only honored that legacy but expanded upon it, introducing the terrifying experience to a new generation of gamers while giving veterans a fresh way to revisit familiar nightmares. Critics praised the game’s faithful yet innovative approach, and it went on to win numerous Game of the Year awards.
Resident Evil 5’s Long Reign Comes to an End
Resident Evil 5, released in March 2009, held the sales crown for over fifteen years — a remarkable achievement that spoke to the game’s broad appeal. Featuring series protagonist Chris Redfield and newcomer Sheva Alomar battling biological threats in Africa, the fifth mainline entry leaned heavily into cooperative gameplay and action-packed combat. The game benefited enormously from the growing install base of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as its split-screen and online co-op features that made it a popular choice for gaming with friends.
However, Resident Evil 5 also represented a controversial direction for the franchise. Many longtime fans criticized the shift away from survival horror toward a more action-focused experience, arguing that the game had lost the tension and resource management that defined the series’ identity. Despite these criticisms, the commercial success was undeniable, and the game maintained its position at the top of the franchise sales charts for over a decade and a half.
What This Means for the Future of Resident Evil
The Resident Evil 2 remake’s ascension to the top spot sends a clear message to Capcom about fan preferences and market demands. The success has already influenced the company’s strategy, leading to the release of the Resident Evil 3 remake in 2020 and the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 remake in 2023. This remake initiative has breathed new life into the franchise, attracting both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. The Resident Evil franchise as a whole has now surpassed 150 million units sold across all titles, making it one of the most successful video game series in history.
Industry analysts suggest that the remake’s triumph demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted survival horror experiences in an era dominated by live-service games and battle royales. Capcom’s commitment to quality single-player experiences has paid dividends, with the RE Engine powering not only the Resident Evil remakes but also other successful titles like Devil May Cry 5 and the Monster Hunter series. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the Resident Evil 2 remake stands as proof that respecting a franchise’s roots while embracing modern technology is a winning formula.
Expert Opinion: The Resident Evil 2 remake’s sales milestone signals a broader industry trend where quality remakes of beloved classics can outperform original entries, even those with strong multiplayer components. This success will likely accelerate Capcom’s remake pipeline, with titles like Resident Evil: Code Veronica potentially next in line. For investors and industry watchers, Capcom’s remake strategy represents one of the most successful approaches to leveraging legacy IP in modern gaming.