- What is Dead by Daylight?
- What is Behaviour Interactive?
- What are survival horror games?
- What does it mean that the game is asymmetrical multiplayer?
- What DLCs were released for Dead by Daylight?
- What editions of Dead by Daylight are available to buy?
- What platforms is Dead by Daylight available on?
- What are the advantages of Dead by Daylight?
- What are the downsides of Dead by Daylight?
- Why do gamers like Dead by Daylight?
What is Dead by Daylight?
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game developed by Behaviour Interactive and released in June 2016. The game pits a team of four survivors against a single killer, with players taking on the roles of either side. The survivors’ objective is to repair a number of generators scattered throughout the map to power up exit gates, allowing them to escape. The killer’s objective is to hunt down and sacrifice the survivors before they can complete their tasks.
Dead by Daylight has built a strong community and enjoys regular updates, including new characters, maps, and features. It is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
What is Behaviour Interactive?
Behaviour Interactive is a Canadian video game development company founded in 1992 and based in Montreal, Quebec. Originally known as Artificial Mind & Movement (A2M), the company rebranded itself as Behaviour Interactive in 2010. They are one of the largest independent game developers in Canada, with a team of over 600 employees.
Behaviour Interactive has worked on numerous titles across various platforms and genres, ranging from original IP to collaborations with other studios and licensed properties. Their portfolio includes titles such as Dead by Daylight, Fallout Shelter, Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade, and various games based on the Ice Age and Rango franchises, among others.
In addition to developing their own games, Behaviour Interactive also provides co-development, live operations, and support services to other gaming companies. They have collaborated with major industry players like Ubisoft, Microsoft, Warner Bros., and Disney on a variety of projects.
What are survival horror games?
Survival horror games are a subgenre of video games that primarily focus on creating a tense, frightening atmosphere for the player to navigate through, while incorporating elements of survival and resource management. These games often place the player in a vulnerable position, with limited resources such as health, ammunition, and other supplies, making it crucial for them to strategize and manage their inventory effectively.
Survival horror games typically emphasize exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, rather than direct combat. The player is typically confronted with a hostile environment filled with various threats, such as supernatural creatures, mutated monsters, or other menacing entities. The narrative in these games usually revolves around uncovering the mystery behind the events, which frequently involves themes of isolation, psychological horror, and uncertainty.
Some well-known examples of survival horror games include:
- Resident Evil series: Developed by Capcom, this long-running franchise is often credited with popularizing the survival horror genre. Players navigate through various environments filled with zombies and other creatures, while managing limited resources and solving puzzles to progress.
- Silent Hill series: Developed by Konami, Silent Hill is known for its eerie atmosphere, psychological horror elements, and disturbing creatures. The games regularly explore themes of guilt, trauma, and the darker aspects of the human psyche.
- Dead Space series: Developed by Visceral Games, Dead Space is a science fiction survival horror game set in a futuristic, isolated spaceship infested with deadly alien creatures known as Necromorphs. The game features strategic dismemberment mechanics, requiring players to target specific enemy limbs to defeat them efficiently.
- Amnesia: The Dark Descent: Developed by Frictional Games, Amnesia is a first-person horror game where the player wakes up in a mysterious castle with no memory of their past. The game focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and hiding from monsters, as direct combat is not possible.
- Alien: Isolation: Developed by Creative Assembly, this game is set in the Alien universe and emphasizes stealth and survival against a single, relentless Xenomorph alien. The player must navigate through a claustrophobic space station while evading the deadly creature and managing limited resources.
What does it mean that the game is asymmetrical multiplayer?
Asymmetrical multiplayer refers to a type of multiplayer video game design where players have different roles, abilities, or objectives, creating an imbalance in gameplay mechanics between them. This design approach contrasts with symmetric multiplayer games, where all players have equal abilities and access to the same resources, making for a more balanced experience.
In the context of Dead by Daylight, the game features an asymmetrical 4 versus 1 multiplayer setup, where one player takes on the role of a killer and the other four players assume the roles of survivors. The killer and survivors have distinct abilities, playstyles, and objectives:
- Killer: The killer’s objective is to hunt down and sacrifice the survivors by either hanging them on hooks or eliminating them through other means. Killers have unique powers, heightened senses, and the ability to damage generators, making them a formidable force. They play from a first-person perspective, which increases their immersion and sense of power but limits their field of view.
- Survivors: The survivors’ primary goal is to repair generators scattered around the map to power up exit gates and escape the killer’s grasp. They play from a third-person perspective, allowing them to see more of their surroundings and keep an eye on the killer. Survivors have their own unique perks and can work together to help each other, heal wounds, or sabotage the killer’s equipment.
This asymmetrical design leads to diverse gameplay experiences, as players can choose to play as either the killer or survivor, each offering a different set of challenges and strategies. The imbalance between the roles adds tension and unpredictability to the matches, making for thrilling and engaging gameplay.
What DLCs were released for Dead by Daylight?
There have been numerous DLCs (downloadable content) released for Dead by Daylight. These expansions often introduce new killers, survivors, maps, cosmetics, and sometimes additional gameplay features. Some of the notable DLCs include:
- The Last Breath Chapter (August 2016) – This DLC introduced The Nurse as a new killer and Nea Karlsson as a new survivor.
- The Halloween Chapter (October 2016) – This DLC brought the iconic Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise as a new killer and Laurie Strode as a new survivor, along with a new map.
- Of Flesh and Mud (December 2016) – This DLC introduced The Hag as a new killer and Ace Visconti as a new survivor.
- Spark of Madness (May 2017) – This DLC added The Doctor as a new killer and Feng Min as a new survivor.
- A Lullaby for the Dark (July 2017) – This DLC introduced The Huntress as a new killer and David King as a new survivor.
- Leatherface (September 2017) – This DLC added Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a new killer.
- Freddy Krueger (October 2017) – This DLC introduced Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street as a new killer and Quentin Smith as a new survivor.
- The Pig (January 2018) – This DLC brought The Pig from the Saw franchise as a new killer and Detective David Tapp as a new survivor.
- Curtain Call (June 2018) – This DLC introduced The Clown as a new killer and Kate Denson as a new survivor.
- Shattered Bloodline (September 2018) – This DLC added The Spirit as a new killer and Adam Francis as a new survivor.
- Darkness Among Us (December 2018) – This DLC introduced The Legion as a new killer and Jeff Johansen as a new survivor.
- Demise of the Faithful (March 2019) – This DLC added The Plague as a new killer and Jane Romero as a new survivor.
- Ghost Face (June 2019) – This DLC introduced Ghost Face from the Scream franchise as a new killer.
- Stranger Things (September 2019) – This DLC brought The Demogorgon from Stranger Things as a new killer, along with Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington as new survivors and a new map.
- Cursed Legacy (December 2019) – This DLC introduced The Oni as a new killer and Yui Kimura as a new survivor.
- Chains of Hate (March 2020) – This DLC added The Deathslinger as a new killer and Zarina Kassir as a new survivor.
- Silent Hill (June 2020) – This DLC brought Pyramid Head from the Silent Hill series as a new killer, along with Cheryl Mason as a new survivor and a new map.
- Descend Beyond (September 2020) – This DLC introduced The Blight as a new killer and Felix Richter as a new survivor.
- A Binding of Kin (December 2020) – This DLC added The Twins as a new killer and Élodie Rakoto as a new survivor.
- All-Kill (March 2021) – This DLC introduced The Trickster as a new killer and Yun-Jin Lee as a new survivor.
- Survivor Expansion Pack (June 2021) – This DLC added 11 new Survivor characters.
- Killer Expansion Pack (June 2021) – This DLC added 11 new Killer characters.
- Resident Evil (June 2021) – This DLC added Nemesis as a new killer and Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine as new survivors. This addon also has a new map.
- Hellraiser (September 2021) – This DLC introduced Pinhead as a new killer.
- Hour of the Witch (October 2021) – This DLC introduced Mikeale Reid as a new survivor
- Portrait of a Murder (November 2021) – This DLC introduced The Artist as a new killer and Johan Vasquez as a new survivor.
- Sadako Rising (March 2022) – This DLC introduced Onryo as a new killer and Yoichi Asakawa as a new survivor.
- Roots of Dread (June 2022) – This DLC introduced Slime as a new killer and Haddie Kaur as a new survivor.
- Resident Evil Project W (August 2022) – This DLC introduced Albert Wesker as a new killer and Ada Wong and Rebecca as new survivors.
- Forged in Fog (November 2022) – This DLC introduced The Knight as a new killer and Vittorio Toscana as a new survivor.
- Tools of Torment (March 2023) – This DLC introduced The Skull Merchant as a new killer and Thalita and Renato Lyra as new survivors.
In addition to these major DLCs, Dead by Daylight has also received numerous smaller content updates, including cosmetic packs, themed events, and balance changes.
What editions of Dead by Daylight are available to buy?
There are several editions of Dead by Daylight available for purchase. These editions may vary depending on the platform and the retailer. Note that additional editions or bundles may have been released since then. Some of the available editions include:
- Standard Edition: This is the base version of the game, which includes the core game experience and access to the free content updates. It does not include any of the paid DLCs.
- Special Edition: This edition typically includes the base game along with some additional content, such as a selection of DLCs or exclusive in-game cosmetics. The specific content bundled with the Special Edition may vary by platform or retailer.
- Ultimate Edition: The Ultimate Edition bundles the base game with a more extensive collection of DLCs and other bonus content. This edition is ideal for players looking to access a significant portion of the game’s additional content in one package. Again, the specific content included may vary by platform or retailer.
- Deluxe Edition: The Deluxe Edition usually includes the base game, along with some additional in-game cosmetics and digital content such as the game’s soundtrack or artbook.
Additionally, some platforms offer a subscription service or bundle that includes Dead by Daylight along with other games. For example, the game was previously available as part of Xbox Game Pass on Xbox consoles and PC.
When purchasing Dead by Daylight, it’s essential to check the specific content included in the edition you’re considering, as different platforms and retailers may offer various bundles and deals. Keep in mind that DLCs and other content can also be purchased separately, allowing you to customize your experience according to your preferences.
What platforms is Dead by Daylight available on?
Dead by Daylight is available on multiple platforms, which include:
- PC: The game is available on Windows through digital distribution platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store.
- PlayStation: Dead by Daylight is available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
- Xbox: The game is available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
- Nintendo Switch: Dead by Daylight is also available on the Nintendo Switch.
The game has cross-play functionality, allowing players from different platforms to play together online. Additionally, Dead by Daylight has cross-progression support for certain platforms, enabling players to carry over their progress, unlocks, and purchased content between their accounts on different platforms.
What are the advantages of Dead by Daylight?
Dead by Daylight is a popular asymmetric multiplayer game that has a number of advantages, including:
- Unique gameplay: Dead by Daylight offers a unique gameplay experience that is not found in many other games. It combines elements of survival horror, stealth, and strategy, creating a tense and exciting experience for players.
- Replayability: The game has a high level of replayability due to its procedurally generated levels, different playable characters, and varying game modes. Each match is different from the last, ensuring that players have a fresh experience every time they play.
- Diverse roster of characters: Dead by Daylight has a diverse roster of playable characters, including both survivors and killers, each with their own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay and allows players to experiment with different strategies.
- Multiplayer mode: The game’s multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends and play together, adding a social element to the gameplay.
- Regular updates: The developers of Dead by Daylight release regular updates and new content, including new characters, maps, and game modes, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging over time.
Overall, Dead by Daylight is a well-designed game that offers a unique and thrilling multiplayer experience with a high level of replayability and regular updates to keep players engaged.
What are the downsides of Dead by Daylight?
While Dead by Daylight has many advantages, there are also some downsides to the game, including:
- Steep learning curve: The game can have a steep learning curve for new players, especially those who are not familiar with the survival horror or asymmetrical multiplayer genre. It can take time to learn the game mechanics, strategies, and tactics necessary to succeed.
- Lack of tutorials: The game doesn’t offer comprehensive tutorials, which can make it difficult for new players to learn the game’s mechanics and nuances.
- Toxic community: Like many multiplayer games, Dead by Daylight can have a toxic community, with players who engage in negative behavior such as trolling, griefing, and verbal abuse. This can make the game less enjoyable for some players.
- Connection issues: The game’s online multiplayer can sometimes suffer from connection issues, causing lag and disconnections, which can be frustrating for players.
- Limited game modes: While the game offers different game modes, they can feel repetitive over time, and some players may find that the lack of variety in objectives and gameplay can make the game feel stagnant.
Overall, Dead by Daylight is a well-designed game with a unique gameplay experience, but it may not be suitable for all players due to its learning curve, toxic community, and limited game modes.
Why do gamers like Dead by Daylight?
Dead by Daylight still attracts gamers and has a thriving community. The game has continued to receive regular updates and new content, including new playable characters, maps, and game modes, which has kept the game fresh and engaging for players. Additionally, the game has a dedicated player base that enjoys the game’s unique gameplay experience and often recommends it to others. Furthermore, the game has had success in the esports scene, with a growing number of competitive tournaments and events that attract players and spectators. Gamers like Dead by Daylight for a variety of reasons, including:
- Unique gameplay: Dead by Daylight offers a unique gameplay experience that combines elements of survival horror, stealth, and strategy. The game’s asymmetrical multiplayer mode, where one player takes on the role of the killer and the others play as survivors, creates a tense and exciting experience that is not found in many other games.
- Replayability: The game has a high level of replayability due to its procedurally generated levels, different playable characters, and varying game modes. Each match is different from the last, ensuring that players have a fresh experience every time they play.
- Diverse roster of characters: Dead by Daylight has a diverse roster of playable characters, including both survivors and killers, each with their own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay and allows players to experiment with different strategies.
- Multiplayer mode: The game’s multiplayer mode allows players to team up with friends and play together, adding a social element to the gameplay.
- Horror theme: Many gamers enjoy horror-themed games, and Dead by Daylight delivers a tense and frightening experience that can be both thrilling and entertaining.