Resident Evil Requiem's Umbrella Corp Escalates Fake Lawsuit Against the Real-Life Nissin Noodles — Complete With Over-the-Top Ad Campaign
IGN
by Wesley Yin-PooleFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Resident Evil Requiem's release was cleverly promoted through a fake lawsuit filed by its fictional pharmaceutical company, Umbrella Corp., against real-life noodle company Nissin. The Japanese X account for Resident Evil announced that Umbrella Corp. had sued Nissin over the resemblance of their noodle products, with a humorous video featuring an Umbrella scientist claiming Nissin copied their "Umbrella Noodles" recipe by adding entrails and herbs to Cup Noodles. This playful marketing campaign escalated further when Yume Group released an over-the-top ad for "Umbrella Noodles," starring Resident Evil character Grace Ashcroft, which humorously suggested the noodles were a real product tied to the game's release.
The promotion capitalized on the in-game nods to Nissin Noodles, which have appeared in previous Resident Evil games, such as Resident Evil Outbreak and the Resident Evil 3 remake. While Umbrella Corp. is a fictional company known for its sinister history in the series, the campaign playfully referenced its "biological weaponry" origins by claiming they developed Umbrella Noodles before Nissin's Cup Noodles debuted in 1971. The fake lawsuit and ad were met with amusement from fans, who appreciated the cheeky nod to gaming lore and the fictional rivalry between the two companies.
Nissin itself responded to the campaign with a witty clapback on Twitter, dismissing Umbrella Corp.'s claims as the ones doing the copying. Fans enjoyed the lighthearted banter, referencing iconic Nissin mascot imagery and joking about the absurdity of Umbrella's antics. The viral nature of the campaign not only boosted excitement for Resident Evil Requiem but also showcased how creative marketing can engage fans by tapping into the game's lore and humorously interacting with real-world brands.
This playful promotional strategy matters to gaming readers because it highlights how developers can use in-game elements and fan familiarity to create buzz. By tying the promotion to a beloved series staple like Umbrella Noodles, Capcom not only generated hype for Resident Evil Requiem but also strengthened its connection to the wider gaming community. The campaign's success demonstrates the power of nostalgia and humor
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Originally published on IGN on 2/26/2026