Dead by Daylight is preparing to celebrate its ninth anniversary with arguably its most requested crossover yet - Five Nights at Freddy's finally joins the horror multiplayer game. After years of fan anticipation, Springtrap from Scott Cawthon's iconic animatronic horror franchise will officially stalk Survivors starting June 17.
We spoke with Dead by Daylight Creative Director Dave Richard and Killer Designer Jason Guzzo ahead of today's PTB launch to learn how the team approached translating FNaF's signature terror into Dead by Daylight's asymmetric gameplay.
"The Floor Was Shaking" - Recalling the Big Reveal
Richard vividly remembers announcing Springtrap's inclusion at PAX: "In that room there was almost 1000 people, and they shouted so loud that the floor was shaking." The reaction underscores just how massive this collaboration is for fans of both franchises.
The designers faced an exciting challenge - adapting FNaF's stationary security guard gameplay into Dead by Daylight's cat-and-mouse formula. "The gameplay from FNaF is very different from DBD - drastically different," Guzzo explains. His solution? Focus on capturing the "vibe" through hours of research, including watching "about 70 hours" of Markiplier's FNaF content.
The result introduces innovative mechanics like:
- Security cameras Survivors can monitor
- Doors that function as teleport points
- Signature jump scares when paths cross
A Killer Years in the Making
Springtrap represents a unique design opportunity as the first playable version of this animatronic horror icon. "This is the first time players get to play a spring trap in a video game," Guzzo notes, emphasizing how the team wanted to honor FNaF's legacy while creating fresh gameplay.
The Killer's abilities blend:
- A lumbering, monstrous presence
- Sneaky teleportation through security doors
- A fire axe projectile enabling brutal grabs
Matthew Lillard's involvement as the voice of Springtrap came directly from Scott Cawthon's suggestion. "He's an icon," Guzzo remarks about the Scream and Scooby-Doo star's participation.
Why No Survivor This Time?
Richard acknowledges some fan disappointment about the absence of a Survivor character but explains: "In early discussion...having a Survivor was, for many reasons, challenging." He hints this might not be Dead by Daylight's last visit to the FNaF universe: "Maybe we'll get the chance to do it eventually."
The Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria map promises plenty of Easter eggs and scares. "We've packed it with surprise," Richard teases, mentioning hidden lore references and extra jump scares throughout the location.
The Future of Dead by Daylight Crossovers
With this monumental collaboration finally happening after years of requests, what's next? Richard jokes he treats crossovers "like Pokémon," while Guzzo confesses his personal crusade: "I would love to get The Thing into DBD."
The team emphasizes their love for horror shines through in every Chapter. "Working on a horror game is very literally a dream come true," Guzzo shares, even if he admits to being "a big baby" about actually playing scary games himself.
Dead by Daylight's Five Nights at Freddy's Chapter arrives June 17 following today's PTB test period. Will you be stepping into Freddy Fazbear's pizzeria?
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
