‘Evil Dead: The Game’ Delisted: Why the Horror Title Vanished from Digital Stores

The asymmetrical multiplayer horror game 'Evil Dead: The Game' has been quietly removed from digital storefronts less than three years after its initial release. This unexpected move has left fans wondering why the title has been pulled from the Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Steam, and Xbox Store.

Reports indicate that Saber Interactive, the game's publisher, confirmed the delisting in a statement, saying, "We can confirm we’ve begun the process of removing the game from digital storefronts. Anyone who has purchased the game will still be able to play it as we plan to keep our servers online for everyone." The company extended its thanks to the community for their support. However, no specific reason was provided for the abrupt removal. The silence surrounding the delisting has fueled speculation among fans and industry observers alike.

Initially launched with high hopes, 'Evil Dead: The Game' saw promising early success. Fueled by the popularity of the Evil Dead franchise, it sold over 500,000 copies within five days after launching in May 2022. The inclusion of iconic characters like Ash Williams drew in a large player base. However, the game struggled to maintain long-term stability in a genre dominated by titles like Dead By Daylight.

In September 2023, Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games announced that they would no longer be creating new content for the game. This meant no additional characters, weapons, maps, or modes would be added. Double XP and double Soul Points modifiers were permanently enabled as a farewell gesture, offering players rapid progression.

While existing owners can still access the game and its online servers for now, the future remains uncertain. The situation is reminiscent of Friday The 13th: The Game, which also saw its servers eventually shut down. The possibility of expired licensing agreements, similar to the delisting of Forza Horizon 4, has been suggested, although the three-year lifespan of 'Evil Dead: The Game' is relatively short in comparison. It is a reminder that even successful titles are not always assured a permanent presence on digital marketplaces.

Despite its disappearance from storefronts, Ash Williams fans can still get their fix in Dead by Daylight through the Ash vs. Evil Dead DLC.

The delisting of 'Evil Dead: The Game' raises questions about the sustainability of licensed video games and the factors that contribute to their removal from digital distribution platforms. Will the servers remain active indefinitely? What does this mean for similar asymmetrical horror titles? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below.

• Dead by Daylight
• Evil Dead: The Game
• Saber Interactive