In a move that’s left fans scratching their chainsaw-laden heads, Evil Dead: The Game is being removed from sale across all digital storefronts—just three years after it first launched and a mere two years after its arrival on Steam. While the servers will remain online for now, no new players will be able to join the horror-packed mayhem, and the game’s digital presence is being phased out without a clear explanation.
What Was Evil Dead: The Game?
Developed by Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games, Evil Dead: The Game was a multiplayer horror brawler that brought together characters and locations from across the Evil Dead universe, including Army of Darkness and the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series. With Bruce Campbell reprising his role as the iconic Ash Williams, the game offered fans a faithful, gory, and often hilarious experience that paid loving homage to the cult franchise.
But now, without warning or a farewell party, the game is vanishing.
The Mystery Behind the Removal
It all started when the game was first pulled from the Epic Games Store and the PlayStation Store, prompting confusion. Was it a mistake? A temporary glitch? Sadly, no. A notice on Steam confirmed that Saber Interactive has begun the process of permanently removing the game from sale.
Saber’s official statement:
“Anyone who has purchased the game will still be able to play it as we plan to keep our servers online for everyone. We want to extend a sincere thank you to our community… We appreciate all of your support.”
And that was it—no elaborate explanation, no developer Q&A, not even a vague hint at why the axe fell. This silence has, of course, triggered speculation.
Possible Reasons for the Takedown
While there’s no official word, several theories have emerged regarding why Evil Dead: The Game is being removed.
Licensing Woes?
The most plausible theory revolves around licensing. Games tied to movie or TV franchises often come with ticking clocks on content rights. Evil Dead is a patchwork of film rights owned by various entities—Renaissance Pictures, Universal, and others—which can make renewals a legal minefield.
With Bruce Campbell’s involvement and character likenesses at stake, even a single expired agreement could have triggered the game’s takedown.
This wouldn’t be the first time licensing has unceremoniously ended a game’s run. Titles like Forza Horizon 4 and Alan Wake faced similar fates. In the case of Forza, it was expiring music and car licenses. Here, it’s likely to be similar: a tangled web of expiring rights and royalties that made continuation untenable.
Declining Player Base?
Another factor might be the dwindling player numbers. According to SteamDB, the game’s 24-hour peak recently dropped to a dismal 36 players—hardly enough to fill a single match.
Despite glowing reviews at launch and an 85% rating from PC Gamer, the player count has been in slow decline. Yet, the fact that servers are staying live suggests the player base wasn’t the sole reason for the delisting.
A Missed Opportunity?
Evil Dead: The Game had the potential to sit alongside horror heavyweights like Dead by Daylight and Friday the 13th: The Game. It had slick visuals, solid asymmetrical gameplay, and a wealth of content for fans. But frequent comparisons to genre giants and a sporadic update schedule may have stunted its growth.
- New content dried up.
- Saber Interactive stayed mum about future plans.
- Fans were left in limbo long before today’s announcement.
What’s Next for Evil Dead?
With the Evil Dead franchise still alive in other media—like the recent film Evil Dead Rise and ongoing rumblings about more Ash-related projects—it’s possible this isn’t the last time we’ll see Ash Williams in a video game.
But for now, Evil Dead: The Game joins the ranks of cult titles that disappeared far too soon.
Final Thoughts: A Last Chance for Fans
So, if you already own it, consider jumping in for one last chainsaw-wielding rampage. For everyone else? The book is closed, and this time, no one recited the words to bring it back.
FAQ: Farewell to Evil Dead: The Game – A Groovy Exit That No One Saw Coming
As Evil Dead: The Game bids farewell, fans have a lot of questions about what’s next for the game and its community. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers:
1. Why is Evil Dead: The Game coming to an end?
Evil Dead: The Game is concluding its journey due to a combination of factors, including shifting priorities at the development studio and the natural evolution of the gaming industry. The team has decided to move forward with new projects, and while the game had a dedicated fanbase, it’s time to close this chapter.
2. Will the game still be available to play after the farewell update?
Yes, players will still be able to play Evil Dead: The Game after the farewell update. However, there will be no further content updates, DLC, or active support once the farewell update is released. The game’s servers will remain active for players to enjoy, but new features and events will be retired.
3. What can players expect in the farewell update?
The farewell update will include a variety of nostalgic content, including special in-game events, new skins, and some fun Easter eggs referencing the Evil Dead franchise. This update is designed to give players a memorable final experience before the game’s support officially ends. Make sure to take part in any limited-time events before it’s too late!