In a recent interview with TheGamer, the creative minds behind Dead by Daylight have opened up about their most ambitious crossover ideas—ideas that mix beloved horror icons with the game’s signature asymmetrical gameplay. Among these aspirations is a dream collaboration with Stephen King, the undisputed master of horror, even though the reality of such a partnership is fraught with challenges.
A Stephen King Crossover: Dream or Dilemma?
The game’s creative director has stated his personal desire to incorporate elements from the Stephen King universe into Dead by Daylight. He explained that while he is a huge fan of King’s work and the monstrous villains that populate his novels, there is a major stumbling block: Stephen King himself reportedly isn’t fond of adaptations and has a well-known disdain for video games. This means that, despite the developer’s enthusiasm, a true King crossover is “very unlikely to happen.” The idea of integrating licenses such as IT, Carrie, Pet Sematary, or even The Shining into the game is tantalizing for fans—but each potential addition faces the dual challenge of licensing hurdles and respecting the original creator’s wishes. With the TV series based on IT premiering this year, the window for an exclusive in-game appearance of Pennywise or other King creations seems even narrower.
Which King Licenses Could Fit in DbD?
If the barriers could be overcome, several Stephen King properties would naturally lend themselves to the dark and suspenseful atmosphere of Dead by Daylight. Imagine playing against a killer inspired by the creeping terror of Carrie, or a map replete with the eerie corridors reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel from The Shining. The potential for narrative depth and immersive gameplay is enormous—but it also means that the team must balance respect for King’s original characters with the fast-paced, high-stakes survival gameplay that DbD fans adore.
M3GAN: A Modern Horror Icon in the Making
Not content with only dream crossovers from classic literature, the team is also looking forward to integrating modern horror icons. Senior game designer Escalante recently expressed a particularly unexpected desire:
“I’ve never seen the film, so it’s silly for you to mention it, but I really want to see M3GAN in DbD.”
This candid remark, shared with TheGamer, hints at the creative potential for new killer concepts that merge artificial intelligence with supernatural menace. Escalante’s interest in M3GAN is also paired with his wish to design a map set within a haunted house—a location steeped in paranormal lore that fits perfectly with the game’s eerie aesthetic.
Live-Service Challenges and Future Plans
Yet the team is realistic about the challenges they face. Cotè, Escalante and his colleagues acknowledge a growing trend in the gaming industry: many players remain loyal to classic titles and are often hesitant to adopt new live-service models. This loyalty not only makes it hard for new games to break through but also pressures developers to keep updating and refreshing existing titles. For Behaviour Interactive, this means that rather than planning a sequel to Dead by Daylight, they are committed to continuously rolling out new characters, perks, and limited-time modes to keep the community engaged.
One such mode is the upcoming 2v8 timed event, slated as the kickoff to the developer’s ambitious plans for 2025. Although these special modes may never become permanent, the team is toying with the idea of offering players the option to switch between the main game and alternative modes from the main menu—a feature that reflects their dedication to fresh gameplay experiences.
Reflecting on Nine Years of Success
Despite these lofty ambitions, game director Mathieu Côté remains humble about the journey. Reflecting on the nine-year anniversary of Dead by Daylight, he remarked on the overwhelming pride and gratitude he feels for having been a part of something truly special:
“I’m simply grateful to have been part of it all. You can work in the industry for 50 years and you’re lucky if you get one of those projects. It happens very rarely. It was a kind of perfect storm—we released something great at just the right time and the people noticed.” Côté’s comments underscore the delicate balance between creative ambition and the unpredictable nature of live-service success.
The future of Dead by Daylight remains as dynamic as ever. While the idea of incorporating Stephen King’s universe into the game stirs the imagination, licensing restrictions and King’s personal reservations seem to keep that dream on the distant horizon. On the other hand, modern horror icons like M3GAN and innovative map designs—such as a haunted house steeped in paranormal mystery—are on the creative agenda and could signal the next wave of in-game terror. For now, Behaviour Interactive appears focused on celebrating its storied past and pushing forward with fresh, limited-time experiences as they continue to captivate horror fans around the world.
What do you think about M3GAN on Dead by Daylight?
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