'Halloween' Director John Carpenter to Help Develop Two Games for Franchise
Boss Team Games is embarking on an exciting new venture by developing two new Halloween titles, and they're doing so with the legendary John Carpenter on board. Dive into the details about these upcoming games, Boss Team Games' history with horror titles, and John Carpenter's enthusiasm for video games.
New Halloween Games in Development
John Carpenter and Boss Team Games Collaborate
In an exclusive reveal by IGN, Boss Team Games, renowned for their work on Evil Dead: The Game, announced they are crafting two new horror games set in the iconic Halloween universe. The excitement skyrockets as John Carpenter, the mastermind behind the 1978 Halloween classic, confirmed his involvement in one of these projects. A self-professed gaming enthusiast, Carpenter is eager to resurrect Michael Myers in a video game, aiming to deliver a spine-chilling experience to players.
These games are still in their infancy but will harness the power of Unreal Engine 5. They're being developed in collaboration with Compass International Pictures and Further Front. The official word is that gamers will have the chance to "relive moments from the film" and step into the roles of beloved characters from the franchise. Boss Team Games CEO Steve Harris described the opportunity to work with characters like Michael Myers and collaborate with John Carpenter as a "dream come true," underscoring the team's commitment to crafting a unique and thrilling experience for both horror aficionados and gamers alike.
While the announcement has sparked considerable interest, concrete details about the games are still forthcoming, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Halloween Franchise’s Journey Through Gaming and Horror
The Halloween franchise has long been a cornerstone of the horror genre, but its footprint in gaming has been somewhat modest. The sole official Halloween game to date was launched in 1983 for the Atari 2600 by Wizard Video, challenging players to protect children from a knife-wielding serial killer as a babysitter. This scarce game, along with Wizard's take on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has since become a collector's gem.
Michael Myers, the franchise's iconic villain, has made notable appearances in contemporary games as a downloadable content (DLC) character. He's been a terrifying presence in the multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight, and also featured as a playable character in a DLC for Call of Duty: Ghosts. More recently, Myers joined the roster of Fortnite during the Fortnitemares 2023 event, rubbing shoulders with other horror icons like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Given the hint that players will be able to "play as classic characters," it's likely that both Michael Myers and the enduring protagonist Laurie Strode will play key roles in the new games. This continues the franchise's tradition of the thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic between these two characters, which has enthralled audiences for decades.
Since its inception in 1978, the Halloween series has grown to include 13 films, solidifying its legacy in horror cinema. The films include:
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
Boss Team Games' Horror Expertise and John Carpenter’s Gaming Passion
Boss Team Games boasts a rich history in horror gaming, with their standout title, Evil Dead: The Game, developed in partnership with Saber Interactive. This game has garnered praise for its faithful adaptation of the iconic horror series, resulting in various editions, including a Game of the Year version.
John Carpenter's participation in the new Halloween games is a natural fit, considering his well-known passion for video games. In a 2022 interview with The AV Club, Carpenter expressed his admiration for the Dead Space series, even voicing interest in directing a film adaptation of the game. He has also cited enjoyment from games like Fallout 76, Borderlands, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Carpenter's deep-rooted love for gaming, combined with his horror filmmaking prowess, sets the stage for an authentic and thrilling addition to the Halloween franchise.
As development continues, fans of both the Halloween series and horror gaming can eagerly anticipate what promises to be a hauntingly immersive experience.
