Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie has pushed sales of Resident Evil 2 Remake and RE4’s 2023 remake up by more than 50% on PS5. The film’s release saw RE2 jump 64% and RE4 gain 54% in sales, according to data from Alinea Analytics.
The numbers come from Alinea Analytics, whose Rhys Elliot wrote about them in a Substack post. Capcom slashed prices for both games about 10 days before the movie hit theaters, but Elliot says the box office momentum still moved the needle.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
The PS5 figures are the clearest measure of the effect. Resident Evil 2 Remake saw a 64% increase in sales the week after the film’s release, while RE4 gained 54%. When Steam copies were added to the mix, the bump rose further: 11% for RE2 and 14% for RE4.
On PlayStation, the revenue picture is even more striking. The two games’ revenue increased by 80% and 84% respectively, according to Elliot’s report. That is a large swing for a single film release.
The timing matters. The price cuts came about 10 days before the movie arrived in theaters, which means some of the initial sales growth was driven by lower prices. But Elliot argues that the film itself carried the week after release, with Austin Abrams’ performance as Bryan moving viewers to pick up the games.
Daily Active Players Jumped Too
The shift wasn’t just about selling copies. Daily active players across several major Resident Evil titles increased after September 18, the day the film hit theaters. RE2R, the remake set during the same time as the movie’s events, had the largest surge: 48%, jumping from around 78,000 to around 116,000 daily players.
Other games followed the same pattern. Resident Evil 4 (2023) players increased 24%, Resident Evil 3 Remake jumped up 25%, and Resident Evil Requiem saw a 20% increase in active players. Requiem also recently passed $500 million in total lifetime revenue, with 91% of sales happening across PlayStation and Steam.
The surge suggests the film did more than sell copies — it got people playing.
What the Data Actually Measures
The data comes from Alinea Analytics, which aggregates sales and usage information across multiple platforms. Elliot’s report focuses on PS5 sales specifically, though the Steam figures add context.
The comparison between PS5 and Steam sales is instructive. The PS5 gains were larger in percentage terms, but adding Steam numbers shows the broader market response. The combined 11% and 14% bumps suggest the PC audience responded too, not just the console crowd.
The revenue figures are also worth noting. An 80% and 84% jump on PlayStation means the film generated real income for Capcom beyond the box office.
Abrams’ Performance Carries the Week
Elliot points to Abrams’ performance as the key driver. His portrayal of Bryan was described as deeply relatable, and that connection appears to have translated into game purchases.
The film’s success has been widespread. It is the single most-profitable Resident Evil movie ever made, and it has now shown it can move game sales too.
The Year of the Capgods
Capcom has had a strong year beyond the film. Onimusha: Way of the Sword was critically acclaimed upon launch, and Pragmata surprised critics and casual players alike with its innovative gameplay and emotional story.
The Code Veronica remake is on the horizon, and Capcom’s recent releases have been highly rated. Elliot’s report ties the film’s success to a broader pattern of success for the company.
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword was critically acclaimed
- Pragmata was surprising to critics and casual players
- The Code Veronica remake is coming soon
- Capcom has released three highly rated games this year
The Data Confirms the Response
The film’s effect on games sales is a notable outcome for a video game adaptation. The surge in daily active players supports that reading. People didn’t just buy the games — they played them.
The film’s success has been widespread. It is the single most-profitable Resident Evil movie ever made, and it has now shown it can move game sales too.
| Platform | RE2 Remake | RE4 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 sales | +64% | +54% |
| Steam sales | +11% | +14% |
| Revenue | +80% | +84% |
The data is clear: Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie moved more than tickets. It moved players back to the games, and it moved them fast.
Source material: “Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Movie Is So Popular, It Increased RE2 Remake Sales by More Than 50% on PS5,” IGN.
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