Fans of the cult-classic survival horror series Dino Crisis are buzzing with excitement after Capcom quietly filed a new trademark for the franchise in Japan. The filing, discovered on the patent database Chizai Watch (linked here), was registered on February 25, 2024, sparking speculation that the long-dormant series could finally be roaring back to life.
First released in 1999, Dino Crisis blended the tense atmosphere of Resident Evil with the primal terror of dinosaurs, earning a dedicated fanbase. Despite its popularity, the series has been absent since 2003’s Dino Crisis 3, a divisive Xbox-exclusive entry that strayed from its survival horror roots. Over the years, Capcom has occasionally teased revivals, including rumors of a reboot in the early 2010s, but concrete plans never materialized.
This latest trademark filing has reignited hopes, especially as Capcom leans into nostalgia with remakes of classics like Resident Evil 4 and Dead Rising. However, the road to a Dino Crisis revival remains fraught with uncertainty. In a 2021 interview with Eurogamer), series creator Shinji Mikami suggested that Monster Hunter’s dominance in Capcom’s portfolio left little room for dinosaur-themed projects. “The company’s focus is on what’s profitable,” Mikami said at the time. “Monster Hunter is their priority.”
Despite this, fans argue that the survival horror resurgence—evidenced by hits like Resident Evil Village and Alan Wake 2—creates an ideal climate for Dino Crisis to return. The trademark itself offers no details, leaving room for theories ranging from a full remake to a mobile spin-off. Capcom has yet to comment, but industry insiders note that trademark renewals are common practice to protect intellectual property, even without immediate plans for new games.
For now, the Dino Crisis community remains cautiously optimistic. “This feels different,” said longtime fan and YouTuber Jess Torres. “With modern tech, a reboot could be incredible. We just need Capcom to take the leap.”
Whether this trademark signals a Jurassic-sized comeback or another false dawn, one thing is clear: the hunger for a new Dino Crisis is as fierce as ever.
[Image credit: Capcom]
