The era of owning a video game indefinitely and revisiting it decades later seems to be fading, thanks to the rise of live service games. These online-dependent titles can vanish from our libraries with server shutdowns, leaving players with nothing but memories. The recent demise of Friday the 13th: The Game serves as a stark reminder of this trend. Released in 2017, Gun Interactive’s ambitious horror title officially went offline, leaving fans disappointed.
Friday the 13th: The Game offered an asymmetrical multiplayer experience where players could embody either Jason Voorhees or one of his potential victims. Counselors struggled to survive Jason’s wrath, while Jason aimed to eliminate them all. The game mirrored the films with Jason’s supernatural resilience and ability to teleport, reflecting the slasher genre’s conventions. Different counselors possessed unique strengths and weaknesses, and players could even collaborate to defeat Jason, albeit a challenging feat.
Jason Voorhees wearing the burlap sack mask from Friday the 13th Part II.
The game stood out through its meticulous fan service. Unlike Gun Interactive’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the developers secured the rights to the entire Friday the 13th franchise. This allowed for unlockable Jason skins from various films, including the iconic burlap sack from Part II. Authenticity was further enhanced by including the likenesses and voices of counselors from past movies. The virtual cabin offered a space for players to relax between matches and delve into the series’ lore.
Friday the 13th: The Game captured the essence of the films, embracing their cheesy charm. While frustrating when caught by Jason, moments like being thrown into a fireplace provided darkly comedic relief. The combination of Harry Manfredini’s chilling score and Jason’s relentless pursuit through the woods created a thrilling experience for fans.
Jason Voorhees in his classic hockey mask.
Unfortunately, legal disputes over the franchise rights halted new content development shortly after release. The game was delisted in 2024, remaining playable until December 31st of that year. Despite fan efforts and promising mods, the game ultimately succumbed to its fate.
The ephemeral nature of live service games has become a growing concern for players. Friday the 13th: The Game joins a growing list of casualties, including Concord, which was shut down less than a month after launch. This raises questions about the long-term value of investing in live service titles. The Friday the 13th franchise also saw the delisting of Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle, further highlighting the vulnerability of digital-only games.
Jason Voorhees peering through a broken door.
While Friday the 13th: The Game is gone, the franchise itself might be experiencing a resurgence. The legal dispute was resolved in May 2024, and Horror, Inc. has announced numerous new projects featuring Jason Voorhees. Although unconfirmed, rumors suggest two new games are in development, including a multiplayer title. This sparks hope for a spiritual successor to Friday the 13th: The Game, though only time will tell.
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Are you disappointed by the shutdown of Friday the 13th: The Game? Are you hesitant to invest in live service games due to delisting concerns? Share your thoughts on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming!
