I’m Going to Miss This Horror Game Because Now It’s Gone Forever

by

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the closure of “Friday the 13th: The Game” has left me feeling like a survivor who just escaped Jason Vorhees’ clutches only to be hit by a car on the way out. This game was a unique and exciting take on the classic horror franchise, offering an immersive experience that captured the essence of the movies perfectly.

I remember the days when I could pick up a game and enjoy it for years without worrying about servers going offline or development grinding to a halt. But times have changed, and live service games have become the norm, leaving many fans like me feeling burned by their fleeting nature. It’s like buying a ticket to a movie that gets pulled midway through the screening.

The legal disputes surrounding the franchise rights were a real blow to the game’s longevity, and it’s a shame that we won’t be able to enjoy new content anymore. However, I remain hopeful for the future of Friday the 13th games, especially if the rumors about new titles are true. If they do decide to make another multiplayer game like “Friday the 13th: The Game,” I only hope that they learn from its mistakes and ensure a more stable future for it.

In the meantime, I’ll be patiently waiting, like Jason waiting for his next unsuspecting victim…or a new Friday the 13th game. But hey, at least we still have the old NES version to keep us company, right? Just don’t let me catch you playing it on an Atari 2600; I hear those things can be deadly!

In the past, video games were designed to be played for an indefinite period after purchase. Players could revisit these games multiple times, even years later. Regrettably, live service games have significantly altered this pattern, with some titles becoming obsolete over time. The most recent instance is “Friday the 13th: The Game“. Launched in 2017 by Gun Interactive, the game based on the horror movie franchise has experienced a prolonged and disheartening decline. Sadly, the game’s servers will be shut down today, leaving many fans disappointed.

The game titled “Friday the 13th: The Game” offered a unique perspective on the slasher series, with an innovative approach to asymmetrical horror gaming. Players could either assume the role of Jason Vorhees or one of his hapless victims, the counselors. The main objective was either to eliminate all counselors or endure as long as possible against Jason’s rampage, mirroring the relentless and almost invincible nature of the character in the films. Interestingly, the developers designed Jason to teleport across the map, a feature that aligns with the speediness often exhibited by slasher movie villains compared to real-life individuals. Each counselor had distinct abilities and vulnerabilities, and there was a strategy for subduing Jason, if players managed to execute it skillfully.

The idea behind Friday the 13th was straightforward, yet it mirrored other horror games in the genre. But what truly distinguished it was the abundance of references to the franchise, making it stand out. Unlike Gun Interactive’s own The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, IllFonic had rights to all films within the Friday the 13th series. This allowed for a variety of Jason skins in the game, including the mask from Friday the 13th Part II. Moreover, characters from previous movies appeared in the game, with their likenesses and voices. Lastly, a unique feature was the virtual cabin where players could relax between matches and delve into the series’ history.

In numerous aspects, “Friday the 13th: The Game” captured the essence of the movies. Just like the original content, the game could be quite cheesy, yet this only enhanced its appeal. Admittedly, it might have been aggravating when Jason managed to catch up to you, but it was challenging not to chuckle when he flung your character into a fireplace or kept you there using his boot. Sprinting through the woods while listening to Harry Manfredini’s music? For numerous admirers of the films, “Friday the 13th: The Game” was a cherished wish come true.

Regrettably, it seemed too perfect that things would carry on as they were. Shortly after the launch of ‘Friday the 13th: The Game’, production of new content had to be halted due to legal disagreements concerning the ownership of the franchise rights. The game was removed from circulation last year, but it could still be played until December 31st, 2024. Despite fans’ efforts to sustain it and even create potential mods, the game eventually found itself in a similar predicament.

As a long-time gamer who has invested countless hours and emotions into various games over the years, I find myself increasingly frustrated by the disposable nature of modern video games, particularly live service games. In recent times, it seems that these games are quickly taken off the market, leaving players with little to no recourse but to move on to the next shiny new title.

The latest example of this trend is “Friday the 13th: The Game,” which was recently delisted after only a short time on the market. This follows closely on the heels of “Concord,” which was available for less than a month before being pulled. It’s disheartening to see such high-quality games disappear so quickly, leaving players with little incentive to invest time and emotion into them.

This trend is not limited to live service games; even standalone titles like “Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle” have been delisted due to legal battles surrounding their franchises. These newer versions of “Friday the 13th” were far superior to the NES version from the ’80s, but at least fans can still find a physical copy and play it on vintage hardware.

It’s a shame that so many great games are being lost in this way, as they offer unique experiences and memories that can never be recaptured once they’re gone. As a gamer, I feel like I’m constantly having to say goodbye to games that I’ve grown attached to, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to invest myself fully in new titles knowing that they may disappear just as quickly.

As a long-time fan of the Friday the 13th franchise, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope when I hear that things might be looking up for this iconic series. After years of legal disputes and setbacks, it’s been a while since we last saw Jason Voorhees on our screens. But now, with the legal battle officially resolved in May 2024, Horror, Inc. has announced plans for a slew of new projects centered around everyone’s favorite hockey-masked killer.

While no official announcements have been made about new games featuring Jason, rumors are swirling that two new titles are in development. And if those rumors are true, it looks like one of the games could be a new multiplayer title – which is incredibly exciting news for fans like me who loved the cooperative gameplay of Friday the 13th: The Game.

Of course, I’m cautiously optimistic about what might come next. After all, we’ve been let down before by promises of new installments that never materialized. But if Horror, Inc. can deliver on these rumors and create something truly special, it could be the start of a new era for the Friday the 13th franchise. I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on developments and crossing my fingers for some exciting news in the near future!

Read More

2025-01-01 01:12