According to multiple reports, a brand-new entry in the Dead Rising franchise is currently in development, and it may be the sequel fans have been waiting for. The project — allegedly codenamed “Rec” — is said to bring back original protagonist Frank West and shift the setting from the familiar mall-infested horror of the past to a dramatically different environment: a zombie outbreak on a massive, enclosed movie-studio lot in Hollywood.
What We Know So Far: Leaks & Supposed Details
- The new Dead Rising game is reportedly **not** a remaster or remake — but a **full, fresh mainline entry** in the series.
- Frank West is confirmed by multiple sources to return as the lead character.
- The story is said to unfold inside a sprawling Hollywood-style film studio, where chaos unfolds when a deranged director traps survivors and orchestrates deadly “scenes” for his own twisted cinematic vision. 5
- Mechanics that made the original games distinctive — like rescuing survivors, rescuing timed-out survivors, and possibly even the photojournalist’s camera — are rumored to return.
Why This Could Be a Good Move
With the release of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster in 2024, the series reintroduced itself to modern platforms — and this new sequel could leverage that renewed interest while updating the formula.
- A cinematic-studio setting offers huge creative potential — from varied themed sets (period pieces, sci-fi, horror, etc.) to dynamic environments that change the zombie-survival formula.
- Returning Frank West appeals to longtime fans nostalgic for the original game’s tone and absurd B-movie horror vibe.
- If signature mechanics like crowd chaos, improvised weapons, timed missions and survivor rescues return, it could recapture the distinctive feel that made the original a cult classic.
- The contrast between a glossy Hollywood façade and the gruesome horror beneath could make for some of the most striking and memorable “Dead Rising moments” yet.
What’s Still Unknown — And What Fans Are Watching
- No official confirmation from Capcom yet — all details come from leaks and insider reports.
- Release date remains unannounced — development is presumably somewhere in early-to-mid stages.
- It’s unclear how far the “studio lot” setting will be exploited — whether for typical mall-style mayhem or ambitious set-piece-driven scenarios.
- Whether the story connects to previous entries or stands alone is unknown — though many speculate this could serve as a “bridge” between old and new fans.
Bottom Line: Hopeful, but Cautious
The idea of a new Dead Rising game featuring Frank West, set in a twisted Hollywood film-studio turned zombie wasteland, is more than enough to get the survivor instincts tingling. The return of core mechanics and the remaster’s warm reception give this sequel a strong foundation. But until Capcom confirms this project officially, it remains a rumor — albeit a very promising one. If nothing else, the signs point to a revival with scars, guts, and improvised weapons. Stay tuned.