Project T, the Dead by Daylight Spin-Off, Has Been Cancelled Following Negative Player Feedback

In a surprising announcement, Behaviour Interactive has revealed the cancellation of Project T, an upcoming third-person cooperative shooter set in the Dead by Daylight universe. The decision comes following negative feedback from early-stage playtesting, which led the developers to determine that the game would not meet their standards for success.

pic.twitter.com/TfIpAk06Mm

— Behaviour Interactive (@Behaviour) September 17, 2024

Behaviour Interactive’s social media channels and the Project T Insider program officially announced the cancellation of Project T. The statement explained that despite early hopes for the game, internal analysis and player feedback from a playtest held in July 2024 revealed “unsatisfactory overall results.” The project aimed to deliver a four-player cooperative experience initially met mixed reactions and was ultimately shelved before its official launch.

The statement reads: “Following the playtest in July, we ran a thorough internal risk assessment from a product and commercial perspective. While several players expressed appreciation for what they played, the outcome of this deep analysis yielded unsatisfactory overall results. It’s with a heavy heart “that we announce that Project T has been cancelled. We want to thank you for your support throughout this journey.”

Also Read: Palworld Receives Intense Criticism by Dead by Daylight Dev

The Tragic End to Project T, the Spin-Off in a Beloved Universe

Initially, Project T was an ambitious spin-off, offering players a new perspective on Dead by Daylight. Known for its asymmetrical horror gameplay and extensive crossovers with iconic horror franchises, Dead by Daylight has remained dominant in the multiplayer horror genre.

Behaviour Interactive has explored expanding its universe through spin-offs like The Casting of Frank Stone and What the Fog. However, Project T was supposed to be a marked departure from the typical Dead by Daylight formula, introducing a new third-person shooter format, complete with gunplay mechanics, new enemies known as “The Thrall,” and a unique environment outside the traditional maps.

Despite its promising concept, Project T struggled to win over playtesters, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the game’s core mechanics. As Behaviour Interactive noted in its statement, while some players appreciated elements of the game, the overall experience failed to resonate, leading to the project’s cancellation.

Mixed Reactions to Project T’s Cancellation

The response to Project T’s cancellation has split thus far. For example, some fans expressed disappointment at losing a promising spin-off, with others supporting the studio’s decision to focus on quality over pushing an incomplete or flawed product to market. Fans of Dead by Daylight have shared encouraging words with the development team, hoping the minor setback will not discourage Behaviour Interactive from pursuing future spin-offs.

As for the Dead by Daylight universe, it remains unclear whether other projects are in development. While the recent release of The Casting of Frank Stone has garnered mixed reviews, the brief availability of What the Fog, Behaviour Interactive has shown an interest in experimenting with different genres and gameplay styles. However, the cancellation of Project T raises questions about how far the studio will push these experiments.

Fortunately, while Project T’s cancellation is unfortunate, Behaviour Interactive has indicated that player feedback will continue to be crucial for future developments. The studio remains committed to exploring new ideas, and fans can likely expect more spin-offs in the future as the developer continues to expand the Dead by Daylight universe.

Closing Notes

While video game spin-offs often face challenges in finding success, many have proven that there is room for expansion within established franchises. The Casting of Frank Stone demonstrated that Dead by Daylight spin-offs could seek a dedicated audience, though its mixed reception suggests there may be limits to how far the formula can stray from the original game.

The cancellation of Project T serves as a reminder of the challenges developers face when expanding popular franchises into new genres. While the concept of a third-person, co-op shooter set in the Dead by Daylight universe was intriguing, it ultimately didn’t resonate with players in its early stages. Behaviour Interactive’s decision to prioritise community feedback highlights the importance of listening to players early in development.

Whether the company will continue to explore spin-offs or shift its focus back to the core Dead by Daylight experience remains to be seen, but fans are eager to see what comes next. To keep up-to-date with the recent news from Behaviour Interactive or other gaming studios, follow our Instagram page for timely updates.