Get ready, Resident Evil fans, because the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived—Capcom has officially confirmed that Leon S. Kennedy is in Resident Evil Requiem, and he’s not here to make friends. After months of whispers, leaks, and one particularly juicy PlayStation Store slip-up earlier this week (https://www.ign.com/articles/confirmed-leon-s-kennedy-is-in-resident-evil-requiem-playstation-store-leak-reveals), the iconic zombie-slayer made his grand debut in a brand-new trailer at The Game Awards 2025. But here’s where it gets exciting: Leon isn’t just a cameo—he’s one of the game’s two playable characters, joining the previously announced Grace Ashcroft. While Grace’s story leans into the heart-pounding survival horror we know and love, Leon’s campaign is all about high-octane action, proving that even a grizzled veteran like him still has what it takes to kick some undead butt.
And this is the part most people miss: Capcom’s silence on Leon’s involvement wasn’t just a marketing tactic—it was a masterclass in keeping us guessing. Despite rumors swirling for months and the developer’s cryptic refusal to address IGN’s questions at Gamescom (https://www.ign.com/articles/the-big-resident-evil-requiem-interview-why-the-games-monster-got-supersized-why-its-probably-not-lisa-trevor-and-a-tease-for-areas-beyond-raccoon-city-just-dont-talk-about-leon), the studio even hinted that Leon might be a poor fit for the game’s quieter, more suspenseful moments (https://www.ign.com/articles/capcom-says-leon-s-kennedy-is-a-bad-match-for-horror-as-fan-speculation-swirls-around-whether-hes-still-secretly-playable-in-resident-evil-requiem). But why? Is Leon too battle-hardened to feel fear, or was Capcom just playing the long game? The reveal of the game’s cover art earlier this week (featuring Leon front and center) finally put those questions to rest—just in time for tonight’s showcase.
But here’s the controversial part: While Leon’s inclusion is a slam dunk for fans, the game might still be hiding secrets. Tonight’s trailer didn’t mention a potential third playable character, despite a GameStop listing earlier this week teasing Rosemary Winters (https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-requiem-gamestop-listing-leaves-fans-bewildered-by-mentioning-a-shock-second-character-and-its-not-leon). Could Capcom be saving another bombshell for later, or is this just a red herring? And let’s not forget—if Leon’s action-focused campaign is one half of the equation, how will Grace’s survival horror story complement it? Is this a perfect balance, or will one outshine the other?
For now, all we can do is speculate. Be sure to catch up on everything announced at The Game Awards 2025 (https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2025-everything-announced) and check out the full list of winners (https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2025-winners-the-full-list). And hey, while you’re at it, let’s debate: Is Leon’s return a triumph, or did Capcom play their hand too close to the vest? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. Reach out to him at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/tomphillipseg.bsky.social).
