A fresh Friday the 13th video game is officially in the works

During a San Diego Comic-Con panel dedicated to the Friday the 13th franchise, it was revealed that a new video game based on the iconic horror IP is officially in development. The announcement came from Robert Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror Inc, the company managing the franchise under its new Jason Universe label.

Barsamian addressed the franchise’s long silence, noting that it’s been 16 years since the last Friday the 13th film — a reboot released in 2009.

“A new sequel movie and a new sequel game are at the top of our list,” Barsamian stated, according to Comicbook.com.
“That’s where most of our energy is going right now, and I can tell you we’re finally in a position to deliver. While we’re not officially announcing with our partners today, both are coming. They’re in the works.”

While details are still under wraps, Barsamian didn’t clarify whether the term “sequel game” refers to a direct continuation of Friday the 13th: The Game (2017), an asymmetrical online multiplayer title in which he was credited as executive producer.

That title was pulled from sale on December 31, 2023 following the expiration of its license. A similar fate befell Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle, a critically praised mobile game that was delisted in January 2023 due to licensing issues.

Since then, former developers and publishers have shifted focus to other horror IPs. IllFonic — the studio behind the 2017 game — has gone on to develop Predator: Hunting Grounds, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game. Meanwhile, publisher Gun Media partnered with Sumo Nottingham to launch The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, another asymmetrical horror title.

The newly established Jason Universe brand, launched in May 2024, aims to bring the hockey-masked slasher icon into the modern era through new media, games, merchandise, and more.

“Stay tuned for fresh entertainment, games, experiences, merch, and more starring everyone’s favorite hockey-mask-wearing villain,” the brand teased at launch.