Dead By Daylight Is Losing Stranger Things - And Fans Are Confused
There are "strange" things going on with Dead by Daylight, as Behaviour Interactive's chart-topping title is losing one of its biggest IPs. While Dead by Daylight first launched in 2016 with unique Survivors and Killers like Claudette and the Wraith, it quickly started adding pop culture crossovers including Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
More recent additions to Dead by Daylight have welcomed Saw, Evil Dead, and Silent Hill to the bloodbath. Now, it's been confirmed that the popular asymmetric survival horror will be losing its Stranger Things content. It's been a good run for the tormented town of Hawkins, however, it's the end of the road for Nancy Wheeler, Steve Harrington, and the Demogorgon.
When is Dead by Daylight losing its Stranger Things content?
In a confusing turn of events, the official Dead by Daylight Twitter confirmed that Nancy, Steve, the Demogorgon, and the Hawkins Lab map will be removed from the game's store on November 17. As the internet erupted with rage, angry players asked about those who'd paid to have the terrific trio in DbD. Especially since there are those who've been less than impressed by the Resident Evil crossover.
The account later reiterated that while the Hawkins Lab will completely be removed, those who bought the characters will still be able to play them - it's just new fans won't be able to buy them. Basically, if you don't have them yet, you'd better stump up the dollar.
There was no further explanation about why Stranger Things is being stripped from Dead by Daylight, which has led to some rife speculation. Even if it seems like bad news, there's apparently a blowout sale starting tomorrow (August 18), where you can get the Stranger Things DLC for 50% off its original purchase price.
Why is Dead by Daylight waving goodbye to Stranger Things?
The million-dollar question is why. Even though we understand games have to make room for new content - like the whispers of a Hellraiser crossover - it doesn't make sense that Nancy, Steve, and the Demogorgon would be packing their bags so soon. The Stranger Things DLC was only introduced in late-2019, and added to this, the franchise is still immensely popular.
It seems like it would've made more sense to get rid of lesser-known killers and survivors, or weed out weaker characters like Legion. Players have been sharing their confusion and rage online. With Stranger Things Season 4 finally due to hit Netflix next year, everyone was hoping we'd be keeping the Hawkins gang around a bit longer, and maybe add some more in 2022. Just imagine Chief Hopper in DbD!
Although Behaviour Interactive hasn't confirmed it, many speculate the developer has lost the licence to Stranger Things. As one of the biggest sci-fi franchises out there right now, we imagine the Duffer Brothers charge a pretty penny for the rights to their IP.
On the plus side, there could be plans for a Stranger Things game that means Netflix wants all its eggs in one pixelated basket. Either way, make the most of running around Hawkins in Dead by Daylight while you still can.