Unveiling the Next Asymmetrical Horror Game: A Game-Changer that Puts Dead by Daylight in the Shadows

Highlights

Dead by Daylight relies on its live-service elements and ongoing updates, making a second installment unnecessary, despite its imperfections and community issues.

The expiration of the license for Stranger Things content in Dead by Daylight presents a chance to develop a new and engaging asymmetrical horror game centered on this beloved franchise. The success or failure of such games heavily relies on the content they provide. With a Stranger Things game, there is an exciting opportunity to gradually incorporate characters and locations from each season, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of the show.

The Dead by Daylight gaming community and the game itself are far from perfect, with fans raising numerous issues over the years. However, the game continues to thrive thanks to its constant evolution and regular updates, rendering the need for a sequel unnecessary. With its licenses for unoriginal DLC content coming and going, Dead by Daylight remains perpetually updated.

However, this also means that one of its most popular DLCs, based on the Stranger Things series, is now only a memory for longtime players. New players may never get to experience the impact and excitement that Stranger Things brought to the game, including the beloved characters and killer. With the removal of Stranger Things' content due to license expiration, there is potential for it to flourish in its own asymmetrical horror game.

Stranger Things Deserves a Shot at the Next Licensed Asymmetrical Horror Game

The inclusion of Stranger Things in Dead by Daylight was a significant crossover that still has a lasting impact on the game. Although players who had already purchased the content still have access to it, it is now considered a relic of the game that Behaviour has moved on from.

It is uncertain whether Behaviour will be able to regain the license when season five of Stranger Things airs on Netflix. In the meantime, it is reasonable to assume that the game will no longer feature any new Stranger Things content. Despite this, Dead by Daylight is a thriving game and does not necessarily rely on Stranger Things to maintain its success. However, the popularity of Stranger Things could greatly benefit a new asymmetrical horror game, elevating it to an exceptional level.

Indeed, asymmetrical horror games like Evil Dead: The Game or The Texas Chainsaw Massacre have failed to capture the attention of audiences in the same way. This is likely due to the niche or limited nature of their content. Not everyone will be a fan of Evil Dead, for example. On the other hand, Dead by Daylight managed to attract audiences by including an exciting mix of horror IP content, including an Ash Williams survivor.

What is clear now is that the success or failure of asymmetrical horror games depends on the content they offer and how frequently it is updated. A Stranger Things asymmetrical horror game, with its beloved franchise, could potentially have the longevity that fans are looking for. Although Stranger Things is apparently ending with five seasons, it is highly likely that there will be spin-off shows or other endeavors related to the franchise.

Nonetheless, to meet the players' demands, Stranger Things could introduce new content gradually by incorporating selected characters and locations from each season. However, a potential developer would need to overcome the challenge of managing the lack of 'killer' characters while having an abundance of 'survivor' characters to choose from. Otherwise, the highly specialized asymmetrical horror genre could continue to be dominated by Dead by Daylight. In such a case, it would be exciting to witness the return of Stranger Things in the future, with fresh characters and additional content.

Dead by Daylight is currently available on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.