By RON McKENZIE
Behaviour Interactive’s DEAD BY DAYLIGHT is the “most-played horror game in history,” and that is set to continue upward. On Sunday, June 14, a massive event to commemorate its 10th anniversary went down in Montreal’s Old Port, with panels, photo ops, a cosplay showcase and an expansive gallery of concept art highlighting the game’s evolution. It also showcased what’s coming next, and kids, ya better buckle up, because it’s a lot!
In no specific order, here is an encapsulation of the day and what Behaviour has planned for DBD’s expansion, as witnessed by over 3,000 attendees and millions worldwide online.
One of the biggest in a series of big announcements? A sweeping visual overhaul targeted for rollout in 2027. New expanded character models are in development, including realistic facial animations and voice overhauls. Maps and environments will also receive significant upgrades: enhanced lighting, shading, and textures, improved Fog and Mist effects and a stronger Entity presence.
For the first time, there will also be dynamic weather systems featuring light rain, heavy rain and storms that will impact play for both Survivors and Killers.
We also got our first look at brand new game modes, including 1v1 Survivor Vs. Killer Mode, and an ambitious new Zombie Mode that will introduce a horde-like factor to the predator/prey dynamic. Finally, with the DBD’s community as such an active and cooperative part of the game, Behaviour announced official “sandbox modding,” with a suite of tools that will allow players to create their own Mods, including maps and modes of gameplay. This is also scheduled for launch sometime next year.
Beyond the upgrades in graphics and mechanics, a deluge of new content is also coming down the pike.
CHAPTER 40: JASON
At long last, the pride of Crystal Lake enters The Fog. “Chapter 40: Jason” rounds out the collection of classic slashers and villains, along with all the outfits and accessories that come with the role. Jason is now available for purchase.
CHAPTER 40.5: THE LIFE ROAD
To balance the scales, a new Survivor-focused chapter was also introduced, featuring a new character: Shane Wiigwaas, the game’s first Indigenous Survivor, voiced by Dustin Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs Fallout). “Dead by Daylight: The Life Road” releases June 25 on all platforms.
CHAPTER 41: CHORUS OF SIN :
The recent community collaboration, The Gimoirre, gave fans the chance to vote between chosen killer, survivor and environment options. The finished product? Chorus of Sin, featuring DBD’s first angelic Killer, The Judgement, and their Survivor nemesis, Aurora.
FRANK STONE ENTERS THE TRIALS
The titular antagonist from 2024’s DBD single-player spin-off, The Casting of Frank Stone, officially joins The Entity’s stable in his final Killer form. More details coming soon.
THE BLACK BANQUET
The special anniversary event places Survivors and Killers in the middle of a sumptuous and decadent cannibal masquerade. Survivors are tasked with creating meals from assorted (and very dead human) ingredients, while Killers work to poison and sabotage those meals. New cosmetics, outfits and rewards of similarly outrageous fashion will also be available.
Other new Character Collections will also be released throughout the year, including new additions from Iron Maiden, The Walking Dead (Glenn and Negan), Silent Hill (Shimizu Hinako and The Nurse), Diablo IV and the most-requested collection of all, Scooby Doo! Many of these are still in development, so there will be more to come.
In the tradition of all great showmen, Behaviour saved the best for last: the arrival of the most recent Killer on everyone’s wish list, not just in-game, but in-person.
Terrifier’s Art the Clown, David Howard Thornton, made the confirmation himself to thunderous applause. No details of the chapter are available yet, save for a release date of November this year.
With Behaviour’s release schedule going well into next year and beyond, fans of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT will have plenty to look forward to, and we’ll be there to cover it.
Read more on the history of DEAD BY DAYLIGHT in RUE MORGUE #231, hitting shelves in July, and keep your eyes peeled for more DBD news coming soon.
