Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard's next free DLC will see the return of Chris Redfield. Capcom

Capcom has confirmed that the upcoming free epilogue expansion for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard starring returning character Chris Redfield has been delayed, and will miss its planned spring release date.

In a video from the game's developers, director Koshi Nakanishi and producer Masachika Kawata explain directly and frankly to fans why they have decided to delay the DLC, which is called Not a Hero.

"We were working very hard to get the DLC ready in time for the spring release," explains Kawata before Nakanishi interjects.

"In light of the incredible reception to the release of Resident Evil 7," the director continued, "we concluded that this DLC was not good enough to meet those high expectations."

It was not said in the video (embedded below) when the DLC will be released.

Kawata added: "Our aim is for this content to match the high quality of the main game, so we need more development time in order to achieve that goal." He later reiterated that the DLC will remain free whenever it is released.

Two sets of "banned footage" paid DLC were released shortly after the main game launched in February. These included new gameplay segments made available through in-game VHS tapes and two set sequences called Ethan Must Die and Jack's 55th Birthday.

Not a Hero will star Redfield and tell a story that runs separate to the main game. The character, who appeared in the very first Resident Evil 21 years ago, made a brief appearance right at the end of the Resident Evil 7's main story.

"Rest assured," Nakanishi continued, "we'll use this time to create something our fans will love, so we hope you understand."

Executive producer Jun Takeuchi appears later in the video to explain further. "Resident Evil 7 was supported passionately by you, our fans, and the game was very well received. With this title we tried to both renew RE and return to its roots and I'm truly grateful for all of your positive feedback.

"However, the three of us have come to the conclusion that this free DLC is not yet ready to meet your expectations."

He then revealed that an additional piece of DLC is also in the works, but not whether it will also be free.

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