Title: Demystifying the Origins of Resident Evil’s Alias – Biohazard
Introduction
If you’re a fan of survival horror games, then you must have heard of the Resident Evil series. One question that has perplexed many gamers is why the game has two names – Resident Evil and Biohazard. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, uncovering the fascinating origins of the game’s alias, Biohazard.
The Origins of Resident Evil’s Alias
The Resident Evil series first originated in Japan in 1996 with the release of the game’s first installment. Interestingly, the game was initially called Biohazard in Japan due to its survival theme, which revolved around defending against biological weapons known as Biohazards. So why the name change?
Why is Resident Evil Called Biohazard in Japan?
In Japan, the word “Resident Evil” was already trademarked by a music company. Therefore, it was decided that the game’s title would be changed to Biohazard, which more accurately reflected the game’s plot centered around biological weapons. It was eventually localized as Resident Evil for the international market.
Why is Resident Evil also Called Biohazard?
Despite being rebranded for the international market as Resident Evil, the name Biohazard stuck in Japan. The game’s success took the world by storm, and due to copyright issues, the name Biohazard couldn’t be used in international markets. Therefore, the title Resident Evil was introduced, and the name Biohazard was used as a subtitle for the Japanese releases.
Why is Resident Evil Called Biohazard in Japan?
In Japan, the word “Resident Evil” was already trademarked by a music company. Therefore, it was decided that the game’s title would be changed to Biohazard, which reflected the game’s plot centered around biological weapons. It was eventually localized as Resident Evil for the international market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Resident Evil games are there with the title Biohazard?
A: There are seven Resident Evil games in the series with the Biohazard title in Japan, including the original game, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Biohazard 4, Biohazard 5, and Biohazard 6.
Q: Does the term Biohazard have any significance in the game’s storyline?
A: Yes, the use of biological weapons is a central theme in the Resident Evil series.
Q: Has there ever been an official statement from Capcom regarding the game’s name?
A: Yes, according to Capcom, the name Resident Evil is meant to reflect the game’s tone and atmosphere by giving players a feeling of fear associated with being trapped in a confined space.
Conclusion
We hope this article has cleared up any confusion regarding the origins of Resident Evil’s alias, Biohazard. It goes to show that sometimes, the simplest of explanations can be a result of unforeseen challenges faced during a game’s development. But one thing’s for sure, whether you call it Resident Evil or Biohazard, the game remains a classic and a staple in the survival horror genre.