Masachika Kawata Says Pragmata Was Once More Horror-Focused, But Capcom Abandoned the Idea to Differentiate It From Resident Evil

Capcom’s Pragmata could have been a very different game. The sci-fi action-adventure was originally considered as a more horror-focused experience during its early development, but Capcom ultimately abandoned that direction because it felt too close to the company’s flagship Resident Evil franchise.

The revelation comes from Masachika Kawata, lead producer of Pragmata, in an interview with The Ringer. Kawata explained that Capcom experimented with several concepts while determining what its new IP should become.

“At one point, there was an idea to make something a little bit more horror focused.”

According to Kawata, the team eventually reconsidered that approach because Pragmata was being developed as a completely new series. Creating another horror-focused IP risked making it feel too similar to Resident Evil, which already occupies that space within Capcom’s lineup. 

PRAGMATA’S EARLY HORROR DIRECTION WAS REPLACED WITH SCI-FI ACTION

Kawata explained that the decision was ultimately about giving Pragmata its own identity rather than competing with Capcom’s established horror franchise.

“Horror, which seems to have a lot in common with Resident Evil, didn’t seem like the most compelling use of the new title.”

The final game instead became a sci-fi action-adventure built around astronaut Hugh and android girl Diana as they attempt to escape a lunar facility controlled by rogue AI. Capcom’s official description highlights the game’s combination of shooting, movement and Diana’s simultaneous hacking mechanics. 

Some remnants of Pragmata’s early horror concept can still be seen in the finished game. The Ringer notes that several enemies have zombie-like qualities, even though the game’s overall identity is firmly rooted in science fiction, action and puzzle mechanics.

Pragmata was first announced in 2020, but its long development period involved substantial experimentation. Lead producer Naoto Oyama told The Ringer that the original 2020 reveal was based largely on a prototype. Hugh, Diana and the lunar setting existed, but the game’s eventual hack-and-shoot gameplay had not yet been established. 

The finished Pragmata launched in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version following on April 24. Capcom has positioned it as an original IP built around an unconventional combination of action and puzzle gameplay. 

The game’s eventual direction also paid off commercially. Capcom announced that Pragmata surpassed one million units sold within two days, an impressive result for a completely new franchise.