New Horizons for Dead by Daylight
Dead by Daylight has built a reputation for its impressive cross-media reach. Over the years, the asymmetrical multiplayer horror game has introduced numerous in-game collaborations, while also branching out into various formats. This includes a dating simulator, comics, board games, and even an upcoming film.
Despite these ventures, the creative team at Behaviour Interactive believes there’s still untapped potential. During a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference, I spoke with creative director Dave Richard and Mathieu Cote, head of partnerships, about their aspirations for future spinoffs. Richard made it clear he has a unique vision: a soulslike game set in the Dead by Daylight universe, akin to Elden Ring.
A Vision for a Soulslike Experience
Richard's desire is straightforward. He expressed, "I want a DBD Souls game. That's all I want. I want like Elden Ring in the world of DBD. That would be cool." This ambition highlights the team’s interest in exploring new gameplay mechanics and narrative depths within their established lore.
Cote also shared his enthusiasm for the franchise’s growth, referencing the upcoming movie collaboration with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster. He said, "I would absolutely love, being able to go to the movie theater and sit down and watch a Dead by Daylight movie." This eagerness for expansion signals a commitment to evolving the brand across various media.
Future Plans for Dead by Daylight
Richard’s broader vision for Dead by Daylight includes not just maintaining its current success but scaling up its player base significantly. With 70 million players already engaged, he aspires to reach a staggering billion by 2036. He believes that diversifying their offerings, including the proposed soulslike game, could attract new audiences.
He elaborated on the potential of their universe, stating, "I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I believe in this universe we’ve built. We think we’ve barely scratched the surface of who could be interesting in that universe." This ambition reflects a desire to keep the game fresh and appealing to a broader audience.
The idea of a Dead by Daylight soulslike certainly has merit. The tone of the Souls series, known for its atmospheric horror and deep lore, aligns well with Dead by Daylight’s own dark aesthetic. Fans of both genres might find a unique blend of tension and challenge in such a crossover.
As Behaviour Interactive continues to innovate and expand, the gaming community will be watching closely. A blend of survival horror and intricate world-building could lead to a compelling new experience, and if Richard’s dreams come true, it may just redefine how players engage with the Dead by Daylight universe.
