In a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference last month, Behaviour Interactive's head of partnerships Mathieu Cote and creative director Dave Richard made it clear that a sequel to Dead by Daylight is not in the cards. They emphasized their dedication to continuously supporting the original game with updates, crossovers, and ongoing content, rather than developing Dead by Daylight 2.
Cote and Richard discussed the challenges of creating a follow-up to such a successful live service title. They admitted that while the idea of a sequel or remake has been considered at various stages, it ultimately doesn't align with fan interests. Richard explained, "There's always a point where we think about doing a sequel, which might be easier than fixing existing issues, but it never makes sense for the fans. They've invested time and money into DBD, and that's the game they want to play." Cote added, "So, we're committed to putting in the effort so players can have fun and get value for their money."
When asked about other live service games like Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege and Blizzard's Overwatch, which have faced difficulties with sequels and player transitions, Cote cited Payday 2 and 3 as examples where both games are still supported. However, he expressed no interest in managing two versions of Dead by Daylight simultaneously. Instead, he stated, "We want to bring our game kicking and screaming into the next decade. We're not going to do a DBD 2, that's for sure. Players won't have to buy a new game and start over. We aim to keep Dead by Daylight feeling current for new and existing players, not just a nostalgia piece."
The conversation also touched on technological advancements, such as Xbox's Project Helix mentioned at GDC. Richard and Cote highlighted concerns about leaving players behind when upgrading to new hardware or graphics. Richard noted, "We always ask ourselves, when we improve graphics or effects, who do we leave behind?" Cote interjected, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, especially given the high costs of new equipment in some regions.
Overall, Cote and Richard are focused on ensuring Dead by Daylight remains accessible and enjoyable for all fans, avoiding any moves that could alienate parts of their audience. While a sequel isn't happening, they assure players that the original game will continue to thrive with long-term support.
In the full interview, they also discussed what makes a live service game successful and potential spinoff ideas. The complete Q&A will be available tomorrow on IGN.
