Bandai Namco and Capcom have officially announced Biohazard RE:2 Arcade, known in English as Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot. The immersive lightgun game was revealed at Tokyo Game Show 2025 alongside further location-test plans.
The project first attracted attention after an unannounced test appeared in the United Kingdom during summer. That early test generated substantial interest, although the game was previously understood to be some way from release. The official announcement now confirms that testing will continue in other regions.
Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot brings horror to the arcade
Rather than a conventional home release, this new Resident Evil 2 experience is designed around arcade shooting. Players will face successive waves of creatures while environmental effects, including air jets and floor vibration, add physical impact to the horror presentation.
Bandai Namco and Capcom announced the game as part of events marking the Resident Evil series’ 30th anniversary. A preview trailer was also released, which is notable for an arcade title that remains in development.
Location tests planned for North America and Japan
The announcement states that a North American location test is scheduled for winter 2025, followed by testing in Japan during spring 2026. The precise North American venue and dates have not been disclosed.
Bandai Namco Experience has also started a new arcade game project based on “Resident Evil RE:2”. It’s an immersive gun shooting game where you shoot creatures that appear one after another, and the air jets and floor vibrating gimmicks allow you to experience fear with your whole body. A location test will be held in North America in the winter of 2025, and a location test in Japan in the spring of 2026.
Further details are available from 4Gamer.net, while Capcom’s announcement can be found here.
The testing order has been unusual. The United Kingdom hosted an early test, North America is next, and Japan is scheduled afterwards. That sequence may reflect the attention created by the UK appearance, but it is too early to draw firm conclusions about a commercial launch.
When could the arcade game launch?
A release window has not been confirmed. Earlier indications suggested that production could extend well into 2026 or later, so even the timing within that year remains uncertain. If the current testing pattern continues, a Western launch before an Eastern release is possible, although that is not confirmed.
It is also unclear whether Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot will appear at IAAPA 2025. The game may still be too far from completion for a major showcase, with EAG or Amusement Expo 2026 possible alternatives. Bandai Namco previously displayed GoldStorm Pirates at IAAPA 2024, despite that title not reaching production until spring or summer 2025, so an appearance remains possible rather than certain.
Gameplay shown during a location test should not be treated as final. Arcade projects can change during development, including their content, presentation and physical effects. For more arcade industry updates, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, or explore the range of arcade machines and arcade repair services.
Leave a Reply