In a move that has excited horror game fans, Dead by Daylight developer Behaviour Interactive has officially acquired Red Hook Studios, the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed Darkest Dungeon series. Behaviour Interactive, known for its mastery of multiplayer horror experiences, is expanding its reach into the genre with this acquisition, sparking curiosity about the future of both studios.
Expanding Behaviour Interactive's Horror Legacy
Behaviour Interactive, the studio responsible for the popular horror game Dead by Daylight, has a strong presence in the horror gaming community. Over the years, the Canadian developer has secured licensing deals with some of the most iconic horror franchises, including Chucky, Castlevania, and many others. Their success with Dead by Daylight has allowed them to explore side projects such as The Casting of Frank Stone, a spin-off developed in collaboration with Supermassive Games.
The recent acquisition of Red Hook Studios comes as part of Behaviour Interactive's broader ambition to grow as a publisher while maintaining its dominance in horror game development. Red Hook Studios, best known for their roguelike RPG series Darkest Dungeon, is beloved for its intense, Lovecraftian horror themes and psychological exploration of adventuring. The game’s unique mechanics and dark atmosphere make it a perfect fit for Behaviour Interactive’s expanding portfolio.
Red Hook Studios to Operate Independently
Despite the acquisition, Red Hook Studios will continue to operate as an independent entity under the Behaviour Interactive umbrella. This allows the Darkest Dungeon developer to maintain its creative freedom and continue producing the challenging, turn-based RPG content that has resonated with fans. Behaviour Interactive expressed their admiration for the studio, noting their shared passion for creating intense horror experiences.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Behaviour Interactive’s co-founder and CEO, Rémi Racine, welcomed Red Hook Studios, stating that it was a "privilege" to have them join the Behaviour family. Racine further emphasized that the acquisition aligns with Behaviour’s "ambitious goals" for expanding its publishing footprint, particularly within the horror genre.