What Is Dead By Daylight?

Dead by Daylight is preparing for a major overhaul in 2027, and Behaviour Interactive is sharing new details about what players can expect. During a recent interview with Luke Lohr (Insipid Ghost) on The Expansion Pass, Mathieu Côté, Head of Partnerships at Behaviour Interactive, discussed the upcoming overhaul, the controversy surrounding Art the Clown’s Terrifier reveal, and the challenges of updating older licensed characters.

The conversation also uncovered several other interesting developments, including Behaviour’s involvement with Gears of War: E-Day, its plans for user-generated content, the upcoming Dead by Daylight movie, and the possibility of previously removed licensed characters returning. With the game celebrating its tenth anniversary, Cote offered a detailed look at how Behaviour intends to keep its popular asymmetrical horror experience evolving.

Key Takeaways

• Behaviour Interactive has been actively developing the 2027 Dead by Daylight overhaul for more than a year, following earlier research and development.
• The studio acknowledged criticism surrounding Art the Clown’s Terrifier reveal and has worked with its art team, marketing team, and licensor to address concerns.
• Côté describes Art the Clown as the most intense killer Behaviour has ever created.
• Older licensed characters, including Michael Myers, may receive lighter updates because of licensing restrictions.
• The overhaul will introduce greater variety in survivor body shapes and proportions.
• Behaviour confirmed its involvement in developing Gears of War: E-Day alongside The Coalition.
• Improvements to the new-player experience are being considered as part of the overhaul.
• User-generated content tools are planned to allow players to create their own modes and modify aspects of the game.
• Behaviour remains interested in Stephen King properties and is open to bringing back previously removed licensed characters.

Behaviour Interactive Responds to the Terrifier Reveal Backlash

One of the biggest topics surrounding Dead by Daylight recently has been the announcement of Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise. While the character’s arrival generated excitement among horror fans, the initial reveal also attracted criticism over how Art was presented.

During the interview, Luke Lohr brought up the negative reception, explaining that several community members had respectfully asked whether Behaviour would address the concerns. Côté acknowledged the criticism and confirmed that the studio took the feedback seriously.

“We took those comments at heart.”

He explained that Behaviour subsequently met with its art team, marketing team, and the licensor to discuss the situation. Although Côté avoided providing specific details about what would change, he expressed confidence that fans would be pleased with Art’s next appearance.

“I can assure you that the next time you see Art, you will be absolutely happy with the way he is represented in our game.”

That statement should offer some reassurance to fans who were disappointed by the initial presentation. However, Côté stopped short of identifying specific visual changes or confirming exactly when players would see the updated representation.

Art the Clown Will Be Dead by Daylight’s Most Intense Killer

Later in the interview, Côté returned to Art the Clown and discussed what makes the character different from the game’s existing roster. According to Côté, Art represents a level of brutality that Behaviour has not previously attempted.

“It’s going to be the most intense killer we’ve ever done.”

He explained that the studio had internal conversations about whether the character’s presentation might go too far. However, Côté believes that bringing Art into Dead by Daylight means embracing the qualities that make him recognizable. Unlike classic slashers such as Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, whose films frequently emphasize anticipation and suspense, Art is associated with considerably more graphic violence.

Côté suggested that attempting to tone down those characteristics would undermine the entire purpose of including the character. For Terrifier fans, his comments indicate that Behaviour wants Art’s eventual appearance to capture the extreme nature of the films rather than deliver a significantly softened interpretation.

Dead by Daylight’s 2027 Overhaul Has Been in Development for Over a Year

Another major revelation concerned the upcoming Dead by Daylight overhaul scheduled for 2027. Luke referenced an earlier interview in which Côté discussed the possibility of significant visual and technical improvements. When asked whether Behaviour had already started working on those changes at the time, Côté confirmed that development was well underway.

He explained that the studio had been considering another major update for years, particularly after completing its previous graphical improvements. The earliest work involved research and development, including experimentation with lighting and newer technologies. However, Côté confirmed that active development has been taking place for more than a year.

“It’s been more than a year for sure that we’ve been working on that actively, and we still have quite a lot of work to do.”

While he did not provide an exact development start date, his comments demonstrate that the overhaul is a substantial undertaking rather than a relatively recent initiative. Côté also expressed excitement about the improvements being developed, explaining that he regularly sees progress and looks forward to players experiencing the updated game.

Behaviour Is Developing Two Versions of Some Characters Simultaneously

One of the most interesting challenges facing Behaviour Interactive is maintaining Dead by Daylight while simultaneously preparing its overhaul. Unlike a traditional sequel, the studio cannot simply stop supporting the existing game while building its next iteration. Players continue expecting new killers, survivors, cosmetics, events, and balance adjustments.

Côté explained that the development structure is even more complicated than having two separate teams. Behaviour currently has three major groups handling different responsibilities. One team focuses on live updates and adjustments to existing content. Another develops new content, while a third concentrates on the overhaul.

Coordinating these efforts requires substantial production management. Perhaps most surprisingly, Côté confirmed that some characters must effectively be developed twice.

“We will do a character right now, and we will do also the updated version at the same time.”

The reason is relatively straightforward. Behaviour needs characters ready for the current game even when their updated versions are being prepared for the future. Fortunately, Côté explained that newer content is generally being developed closer to the standards established for the overhaul.

That reduces the differences between versions, although some duplicated work remains unavoidable. The revelation illustrates how difficult it can be to modernize a live-service game without interrupting the steady flow of content its audience expects.

Michael Myers and Other Legacy Characters May Receive Smaller Updates

The 2027 overhaul also raises an important question about Dead by Daylight’s extensive collection of licensed characters. Over the years, Behaviour has collaborated with numerous horror franchises, bringing recognizable characters into the game. However, licensing agreements can change, and certain characters are no longer available for new players to purchase.

Luke specifically asked whether characters such as Michael Myers could still receive visual improvements despite those complications. Côté acknowledged that updating characters for which Behaviour no longer has distribution rights is particularly difficult.

“We don’t have the rights to distribute the character anymore. Making changes to it is not easy, but we don’t want to leave them behind.”

He explained that these situations involve confidential discussions and legal considerations that he could not fully disclose. Nevertheless, Côté suggested that completely excluding those characters from the overhaul is unlikely. Instead, some legacy characters may receive less extensive improvements than newer or Behaviour-owned characters.

He described the possibility as applying a lighter “coat of varnish” rather than rebuilding every character to the same degree. That distinction is important because Côté did not guarantee identical improvements across the entire roster. Still, his comments indicate that Behaviour wants older licensed characters to remain visually compatible with the game’s evolving presentation wherever agreements permit.

The 2027 Overhaul Will Allow More Variety in Survivor Body Shapes

Beyond improved visuals and animations, the overhaul will also introduce greater flexibility in how survivors are represented. Côté explained that Dead by Daylight currently relies on a limited number of animation rigs for its survivors. These rigs determine how character models move and deform during animations.

Because many survivors share the same underlying structures, the development team has historically faced restrictions when designing characters with significantly different proportions. According to Côté, the overhaul will expand those options. Rather than requiring nearly every survivor to fit the same basic proportions, Behaviour intends to introduce additional rigs that support greater physical variety.

This does not mean every survivor will receive a completely unique animation system. However, it should give artists more freedom when designing different body types. Côté emphasized that representation has remained an important consideration for the studio throughout the game’s history. Allowing players to see a wider variety of body shapes represented in Dead by Daylight is something the team has wanted to accomplish for some time.

Dead by Daylight’s Growing Complexity Is Becoming a Problem for New Players

Another important subject was the increasing complexity of Dead by Daylight. After ten years of additional killers, survivors, perks, and maps, the game has accumulated an enormous amount of content. While that variety is part of its appeal, Côté acknowledged that it also creates challenges. Every new perk requires development and balancing, but adding another option to an already extensive collection does not necessarily provide the same benefit it once did.

He also pointed out that the growing map selection means players may encounter their favorite locations less frequently. However, the biggest concern may be the experience awaiting newcomers. A new player must learn how different killers operate, understand perks and loadouts, recognize maps, and become familiar with numerous gameplay systems. For someone who has never played Dead by Daylight, that can be overwhelming.

When Luke asked whether improving the onboarding experience was part of the upcoming overhaul, Côté confirmed that it was an area of consideration. He declined to provide specifics, but his response made clear that Behaviour recognizes the issue. Improving how new players learn the game could prove just as important as upgrading its visuals, particularly as the roster continues expanding.

Behaviour Interactive Confirms Its Involvement in Gears of War: E-Day

One of the more unexpected revelations involved another major gaming franchise. During the interview, Luke mentioned seeing Behaviour Interactive congratulate The Coalition on Gears of War: E-Day. As a longtime Gears of War fan, he was particularly interested in whether the two studios had worked together. Côté confirmed that Behaviour was involved.

He described the collaboration as a proud moment for the studio and explained that Behaviour had been working with The Coalition for some time. The discussion also provided insight into a side of Behaviour Interactive that some Dead by Daylight fans may not know much about. Although the company is widely recognized for its own horror franchise, it has a long history of developing games and supporting projects for other companies.

Côté explained that external development work has been central to Behaviour’s business for decades. The studio continues providing services ranging from outsourcing to co-development. He also noted that a substantial portion of Behaviour’s workforce remains involved in external projects, although he was careful not to provide a definitive percentage.

Does This Mean Gears of War Could Come to Dead by Daylight?

Naturally, Luke raised the possibility of Gears of War characters appearing in Dead by Daylight. Côté explained that Behaviour’s history of working with other intellectual properties has helped establish relationships with license holders. Those connections can make future collaboration discussions easier. However, Côté did not confirm a Gears of War crossover for Dead by Daylight.

The confirmed news is Behaviour’s development involvement with Gears of War: E-Day, not an upcoming appearance by the Locust or other franchise characters. Nevertheless, the connection is particularly interesting given Behaviour’s history of working with major entertainment properties.

The Dead by Daylight Movie Is Being Designed to Deliver Genuine Horror

The conversation also explored the upcoming Dead by Daylight film being developed with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster. Luke asked how much creative involvement Behaviour retains as the project progresses. Côté explained that the studio remains involved in reviewing important creative decisions, including scripts, character portrayals, and casting.

He also discussed the role of Behaviour Interactive’s Steven Mulrooney, who maintains regular communication with the filmmakers. Although the film’s creative team has considerable freedom, Behaviour wants to ensure that the finished product respects the characters and universe established in the game.

Côté praised the working relationship with Blumhouse, describing it as collaborative and built on trust. Most importantly, he emphasized that the film must deliver a genuinely frightening experience.

“What I can guarantee you is that it is going to be a scary movie.”

He explained that Dead by Daylight has a universe capable of supporting different types of stories, including comedy, as demonstrated by Hooked on You. However, the upcoming film is intended to embrace horror. Côté also expressed hope that the filmmakers would include details and references for longtime fans to discover, although he did not confirm any specific Easter eggs.

User-Generated Content Tools Are Coming to Dead by Daylight

Another exciting development discussed during the interview was Behaviour’s upcoming user-generated content initiative. Côté revealed that the studio plans to release tools allowing players to experiment with the game in new ways. These tools are intended to support changes to gameplay values, custom game modes, and alternative experiences.

He expressed particular enthusiasm about seeing what the community creates. Beyond providing entertainment, Côté believes the tools could offer Behaviour valuable insights into player preferences. Rather than relying entirely on surveys and feedback, the studio would be able to observe how players choose to modify the game themselves.

That could reveal which mechanics players enjoy most and what kinds of experiences they want to explore. Côté even entertained the possibility that players might develop unusual variations of Dead by Daylight, although he stressed that Behaviour has no current intention of turning the main game into a dedicated single-player experience.

No release date for the user-generated content tools was confirmed during the interview. Still, their eventual arrival could represent a significant expansion of what players can do with the game.

Stephen King Remains a Dream Collaboration for Behaviour Interactive

With Dead by Daylight already featuring an impressive collection of horror icons, Luke asked whether Behaviour still had any major dream licenses remaining. Côté explained that the studio’s original wish list has become considerably shorter over the years. However, new horror properties continue emerging, creating additional opportunities for future collaborations.

One name remains especially important to the team: Stephen King.

“Anything Stephen King, I mean, to this day would be the holy grail for a lot of us on the team.”

Côté mentioned that Behaviour’s creative director has expressed interest in properties such as Christine and Cujo. Interestingly, Côté himself suggested that he would enjoy seeing Stephen King appear as a character within the game. He explained that King’s habit of appearing in adaptations of his own work makes the idea particularly appealing.

Of course, these comments reflect the studio’s interests rather than an announcement of a completed licensing agreement. Nevertheless, they demonstrate that Behaviour still has ambitious ideas for expanding its collection of horror legends.

Could Michael Myers and Other Removed Characters Return?

Near the end of the interview, Luke returned to the subject of licensed characters that have departed Dead by Daylight. With certain properties no longer available for purchase, he asked whether the door remains open for their eventual return. Côté explained that Behaviour generally does not want to remove characters from the game.

When licensed content becomes unavailable, those decisions are typically driven by circumstances surrounding the agreements rather than the studio’s desire to remove it. Importantly, he confirmed that Behaviour remains willing to revisit those arrangements when circumstances change.

“If there is a way, we’ll make it happen.”

While that statement does not confirm Michael Myers or any other specific character will return, it reinforces Behaviour’s continued interest in preserving the game’s extensive collection of horror icons. Côté’s comments also suggest that the studio sees its licensed roster as something worth maintaining and expanding whenever possible.

The Future of Dead by Daylight Looks Busy

Mathieu Côté’s conversation with Luke Lohr offered an extensive look at the future of Dead by Daylight. Between the ambitious 2027 overhaul, Behaviour’s response to the Terrifier criticism, improvements to character models, and upcoming user-generated content tools, the studio has plenty planned as the game moves beyond its tenth anniversary. The confirmation of Behaviour’s involvement with Gears of War: E-Day also provided an unexpected look at the company’s work outside its flagship horror franchise.

Perhaps most importantly, Côté’s comments demonstrated how seriously Behaviour continues to approach both its community and its growing collection of horror properties. From finding ways to modernize legacy characters to welcoming new players and exploring future collaborations, the studio is preparing for another major chapter in the game’s history. For more details, be sure to check out Luke Lohr’s full interview with Mathieu Côté on The Expansion Pass.