Delisting of ‘Friday the 13th: The Game’
As the calendar approaches December 31st, a notable event in the gaming world is set to occur with the delisting of Friday the 13th: The Game. Developed by IllFonic and released in 2017, this multiplayer slasher game has provided players with the chilling experience of evading the infamous Jason Voorhees at Camp Crystal Lake. In the game, survivors must work together to escape or fight back against the player-controlled Jason, who hunts them down in a variety of creatively gruesome ways. The game has been well-received, earning a review score of 75 and being noted for its richer comedic potential and more engaging activities compared to its genre counterpart, Dead by Daylight.
Challenges and Longevity
Despite its initial success, Friday the 13th: The Game faced significant hurdles right from the start. The game’s launch was marred by server issues that significantly impacted player experience. These technical difficulties were not just minor inconveniences but were severe enough to be impossible to overlook. Adding to the game’s challenges was a legal dispute over the ownership of the Friday the 13th license, which ultimately derailed plans for future downloadable content (DLC).
In November 2020, another blow came when the game’s dedicated servers were shut down. However, not all was lost for the fans of this horror-survival title. The developers ensured that Quick Play lobbies and the option for Private Matches remained active, allowing the community to continue enjoying the game’s thrilling multiplayer experience.
End of Sales and Continued Play
The end of an era for Friday the 13th: The Game was officially announced by Gun Media, stating that the game would no longer be available for sale, both physically and digitally, after December 31st, 2023. This announcement marked a significant moment for the game’s community and the industry at large.
The time has come. Our license for Friday the 13th will expire on December 31st 2023. On that date, Friday the 13th: The Game will no longer be available for sale, both physically and digitally.
— Gun Media @Friday13thGame.twitter.com (@Friday13thGame) July 2023
In a heartfelt message, Gun Media co-founder Wes Keltner expressed his gratitude towards the game’s fans, acknowledging the community that has formed around this title, including friendships and even romantic relationships that have blossomed in the eerie setting of Crystal Lake.
If you own the game, you’ll still be able to play through Dec of 2024. Thank you to the fans. I hear countless stories about friends made in this game. Hell, even soul mates found each other at Crystal Lake! I make these games so people can come together and have fun. <3
— Wes Keltner @weskeltner.twitter.com (@weskeltner) December 15, 2023
Moreover, Keltner reassured players that the game will continue to function through “at least” December 31st, 2024, ensuring that the community can still enjoy the game for another year after it has been delisted from stores.
Current Pricing and Alternative Games
For those looking to dive into the horror before it vanishes, Friday the 13th: The Game is currently priced at a compelling
£4.29 on Steam, with its various DLCs available for just 89p each. When considering the cost of everyday items, such as sandwiches, this deal presents an opportunity for gamers to experience the thrill of Camp Crystal Lake at a minimal expense.
However, if the prospect of investing in a game with a limited lifespan is daunting, there are alternative asymmetrical multiplayer games developed by IllFonic to consider. These include Predator: Hunting Grounds, which, despite a solid foundation, was criticized for making its titular alien feel too underpowered in multiplayer encounters. Additionally, IllFonic’s more recent release, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, was met with less enthusiasm, being described as somewhat lackluster.
For fans of the genre looking for other options, the following list of games might be of interest:
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre game, also published by Gun Media
- Dead by Daylight, a longstanding favorite in the multiplayer horror scene
Each of these titles offers a unique take on the multiplayer horror experience, providing alternatives for those seeking a similar adrenaline rush to that of Friday the 13th: The Game.
Product Information and Purchase Links
For those interested in purchasing Friday the 13th: The Game and its DLCs before they are delisted, below is a table with product information and links to buy the game and its additional content. Please note that the links provided do not point to the domains mentioned in the article and include an affiliate tag where applicable.
| Product | Description | Price | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday the 13th: The Game | Base game | £4.29 | Buy on Steam |
| DLC Pack 1 | Additional content pack | £0.89 | Buy on Steam |
| DLC Pack 2 | Additional content pack | £0.89 | Buy on Steam |
These links provide a convenient way for gamers to secure their copy of the game and enjoy the multiplayer horror experience that Friday the 13th: The Game offers.
