'Resident Evil' Mobile Game Draws 2M Sign-Ups Ahead of Launch

A new mobile title based on Capcom's horror franchise has attracted strong early interest, with publisher Aniplex and developer JoyCity reporting more than two million pre-registrations across global markets.

The free-to-play strategy game, "Resident Evil: Survival Unit," has logged sign-ups through Apple's App Store, Google Play and its official website from players in North America, Europe, Japan, Korea and other Asian markets ahead of its planned 2025 release.

The milestone unlocks in-game rewards for all registered players, including an Advanced Flare Gun, a 200,000 Rewards Package, five-minute speed-ups, 1,000 gems, a seven-day base skin and a Special Flare Gun. The two million mark exceeded the game's original pre-registration goal of one million users.

What is Resident Evil: Survival Unit?

For those wondering how this fits into the Resident Evil world, Survival Unit is a major departure from the series' traditional survival-horror roots. It’s a real-time strategy (RTS) title designed specifically for mobile. 

The game is set in a parallel universe where players awaken as test subjects in a mysterious hospital run by the Umbrella Corporation, tasked with leading survivors in a collapsing city. The core gameplay revolves around building and customising a base within a large mansion, gathering resources, and strategising to stay alive.

The game features series characters including Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield and Jill Valentine, each with distinct abilities. Players must position units strategically, deploy environmental hazards and coordinate character skills to repel enemy waves drawn from the franchise's creature roster.

The combination of strategy mechanics, base-building systems and established intellectual property positions the title as a notable mobile gaming release when it launches later this year.