Resident Evil Director Zach Cregger and star Austin Abrams reveal their favorite games. #SDCC

Presented by Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, Alienware, BRISK x Splatoon Raiders

Resident Evil Director Zach Cregger and star Austin Abrams reveal their favorite games. #SDCC

At San Diego Comic-Con, the energy around the Resident Evil panel was electric as audiences gathered to hear from director Zach Cregger and star Austin Abrams. While fans anticipated exclusive trailers and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the conversation quickly turned to something a little more personal: their favorite games and the ways games influence their work in film and television.

Cregger spoke about his love for atmospheric, story-driven experiences. He highlighted titles that prioritize mood, pacing, and tension, noting that the best horror games teach you to read the room, anticipate danger, and make decisions under pressure. He cited a few standouts that have shaped his approach to suspenseful filmmaking, emphasizing how interactive storytelling can teach a director about timing and player agency. The takeaway for attendees was clear: game design’s emphasis on player choice feeds into the broader craft of building suspense in cinema and television.

Abrams, whose role in the Resident Evil universe has brought him into closer contact with the franchise’s expansive lore, offered a different perspective. He described games that balance character-driven narratives with strategic challenges, praising titles that allow for emotional investment without sacrificing gameplay momentum. Abrams noted that memorable performances in games often hinge on dialogue that breathes life into a character, something he strives to mirror in his own acting and in the dynamics of the series’ ensemble cast.

The pair also discussed how the medium of video games informs contemporary genre storytelling. They spoke about the value of procedural constraints—the need to craft compelling moments within tight gameplay loops—as a parallel to crafting episodes with tight timelines and cliffhangers. The directors and actors agreed that cross-pollination between gaming and film can yield richer, more immersive experiences for audiences who engage with both media.

Fans in attendance welcomed the candid insights, with many snapping photos and sharing takeaways about how personal gaming habits can illuminate professional choices. For those following the Resident Evil franchise, the conversation offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of the people steering the project today: creators who approach horror and action with a respect for the player’s sense of discovery and a commitment to character-driven storytelling.

As SDCC continues to spotlight cross-media storytelling, the dialogue between Zach Cregger and Austin Abrams underscored a growing trend: the lines between game design and cinematic craft are increasingly blurred, and the best genre work emerges from creators who understand both languages. Whether fans are revisiting a favorite title after the panel or stepping into the latest Resident Evil installment, the message from the conversation was consistent—great storytelling, whether played or watched, hinges on atmosphere, character, and a well-timed pivot that keeps audiences engaged.