Capcom has achieved remarkable success with its proprietary RE Engine, a versatile development tool that has powered all of the studio`s games since 2017, beginning with the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7. The highly anticipated upcoming title, Pragmata, is set to continue this trend. However, an interesting revelation has emerged: the engine required specific modifications to render a seemingly minor, yet visually crucial detail – the exceptionally long hair of the game`s deuteragonist, Diana.
In a recent interview with VGC, producer Naoto Oyama shed light on this technical challenge. He explained that the RE Engine was fundamentally designed as the core foundation for Capcom`s game creations, inherently allowing the development team the flexibility to request and implement new features as needed. Diana`s meticulously crafted hair, composed of individual strands, serves as a prominent example of such a visual enhancement that demanded dedicated engineering efforts.
Oyama further noted that previous Capcom projects typically relied on technologies better suited for shorter hair styles. The ability to realistically portray Diana`s extensive, flowing locks marks a significant visual advancement, made possible through close collaboration and support from the RE Engine development team. When playfully asked about the prospect of future games featuring zombies sporting similarly long and luxurious hair, Oyama responded with a laugh, stating, “It`s hard to say.”
The journey for Pragmata itself has seen several twists. Initially unveiled in 2020, it was subsequently delayed to 2023, and then postponed indefinitely. Now, five years after its initial announcement, the game is finally on track for a 2026 release, although an exact launch date remains unconfirmed.
Upon its eventual debut, Pragmata is scheduled to be available for players across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.