The Timeline of Umbrella Corporation’s Logo Design

Umbrella Corporation is a fictional company in the Resident Evil video game franchise. The company is known for its questionable business practices and involvement in the creation of biological weapons. However, one of the most recognizable aspects of the Umbrella Corporation is its logo. Over the years, the logo has undergone several changes, and this article will explore the timeline of Umbrella Corporation’s logo design.

1996 – The Original Logo

The first Umbrella Corporation logo appeared in the 1996 video game Resident Evil. The logo consisted of an umbrella with red and white stripes and the word “Umbrella” written in a bold font underneath. The logo was simple yet effective and quickly became synonymous with the evil corporation.

1998 – The Biohazard Logo

In 1998, the Resident Evil franchise was renamed Biohazard in Japan. To reflect this change, the Umbrella Corporation logo was updated to include the Biohazard symbol. The Biohazard symbol is a universal symbol for biological hazards and is recognizable worldwide. The new logo featured the same umbrella with red and white stripes, but the word “Umbrella” was replaced with “Biohazard.”

2002 – The 3D Logo

In 2002, the Resident Evil franchise returned to its original name in Japan, and the Umbrella Corporation logo was updated once again. This time, the logo featured a 3D design with a more realistic-looking umbrella. The red and white stripes were replaced with a silver metallic finish, giving the logo a sleek and modern look.

2007 – The Redesign

In 2007, the Resident Evil franchise underwent a massive redesign, and with it came a new Umbrella Corporation logo. The new logo featured a simplified design with a black and white color scheme. The umbrella was now a solid black silhouette, and the word “Umbrella” was written in a clean, modern font. The redesign was a departure from the previous logos, but it still maintained the iconic umbrella symbol.

2017 – The Rebranding

In 2017, the Resident Evil franchise released a new game called Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. With the release of the new game came a complete rebranding of the franchise, including the Umbrella Corporation logo. The new logo featured a bold, red design with a stylized umbrella. The word “Umbrella” was written in a modern font and placed underneath the umbrella. The new logo was a departure from the previous designs but still maintained the iconic umbrella symbol.

In conclusion, the Umbrella Corporation logo has undergone several changes over the years, reflecting the evolution of the Resident Evil franchise. Despite the changes, the umbrella symbol remains the most recognizable aspect of the Umbrella Corporation, a testament to the power of good logo design.

Abstract:

The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional company that serves as the main antagonist in the Resident Evil series of video games, movies, and novels. The company’s logo has undergone several changes throughout its existence, reflecting the organization’s evolution and sinister nature. This article presents a timeline of Umbrella Corporation’s logo design, highlighting the key features and symbolism behind each iteration.

1. Original Logo (Resident Evil, 1996)

The first Umbrella Corporation logo appeared in the original Resident Evil video game in 1996. It featured a black and white umbrella symbol with the company name above it. The umbrella symbol represented the company’s umbrella-like coverage of various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and weapons development.

2. Redesign (Resident Evil 2, 1998)

The second logo appeared in Resident Evil 2 in 1998, featuring a more stylized and modernized version of the umbrella symbol. The company name was placed below the symbol, and the entire logo was surrounded by a red circle. This redesign reflected the company’s growing power and influence, as well as its shift towards more advanced technologies and weaponry.

3. Redesign (Resident Evil Code: Veronica, 2000)

The third logo appeared in Resident Evil Code: Veronica in 2000, featuring a more abstract and ominous version of the umbrella symbol. The color scheme was changed to black and red, and the company name was removed from the logo altogether. This redesign reflected the company’s descent into darkness and corruption, as well as its willingness to use any means necessary to achieve its goals.

4. Redesign (Resident Evil 4, 2005)

The fourth logo appeared in Resident Evil 4 in 2005, featuring a complete departure from the traditional umbrella symbol. Instead, the logo featured a circular emblem with a stylized letter “U” in the center, surrounded by a shield and laurel wreath. This redesign reflected the company’s attempt to rebrand itself and distance itself from its past atrocities, while still retaining its power and influence.

5. Redesign (Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, 2016)

The fifth and final logo appeared in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in 2016, featuring a return to the traditional umbrella symbol, but with a twist. The symbol was now split in half, with one half representing the original umbrella symbol and the other half representing a broken and corrupted version of it. This redesign reflected the company’s ultimate downfall and destruction, as well as the consequences of its actions.

Conclusion:

The Umbrella Corporation’s logo design has evolved over the years, reflecting the company’s changing nature and role in the Resident Evil universe. From a simple umbrella symbol to a complex emblem, the logo has become a symbol of the company’s power, corruption, and ultimate demise.