Jason Voorhees Confirmed as New Killer
Dead by Daylight has officially announced Jason Voorhees, the iconic slasher from the Friday the 13th franchise, as its newest Killer. This highly anticipated addition marks a significant milestone for the game, especially as it approaches its 10th anniversary in June. Jason has been one of the most requested Killers by the community for years, often considered a “Mount Rushmore of horror” figure whose absence was notable alongside other horror legends already in the game, such as Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Leatherface. His inclusion follows a decade of player anticipation and speculation.
The journey to Jason’s arrival has been complex, largely due to rumored legal issues surrounding the Friday the 13th rights, which game director Mathieu Cote previously described as a “legal quagmire.” These issues appear to have been resolved, paving the way for the machete-wielding icon to enter the Fog.
The 13-Hour Livestream Reveal
The reveal of Jason Voorhees was orchestrated through an unconventional and prolonged 13-hour livestream. Behaviour Interactive, the developer, directed players to “tune in” for a special announcement related to the game’s tenth anniversary. However, instead of an immediate reveal, viewers were met with a static image of a cabin in the woods for the majority of the stream, which commenced on May 22nd at 9 p.m. ET.
Throughout the 13-hour duration, the stream occasionally featured eerie moments designed to break the monotony, including bird calls, a dog barking, distant flashlights, flickering lights inside the cabin, and brief camera glitches. The screen even flashed red at one point, distorting the cabin’s image. This prolonged wait, while generating immense discussion, also led to some frustration among viewers who had expected a quicker announcement.
The actual reveal sequence occurred after the 13-hour mark. It began with a first-person perspective approaching and entering the cabin. Inside, the camera focused on a small bed and a toolbench. A hand then reached out to pick up and inspect a machete. Finally, a hockey mask was lifted from a wall and placed over the viewer’s face, with lightning flashing to reveal the reflection in a window, confirming Jason’s identity.
Release Date and Future Details
Jason Voorhees is set to join Dead by Daylight as the new Killer on Tuesday, June 16. While his identity has been confirmed, specific details regarding his unique abilities, perks, and potential associated Survivors or maps have not yet been revealed. Behaviour Interactive has stated that more information on how Jason will “enter the Fog” will be provided in the coming weeks. Given that the Trapper, one of Dead by Daylight’s original Killers, drew inspiration from Jason, the developers will likely ensure that Jason Voorhees offers a distinct gameplay experience.
Community Reaction and Speculation
The community’s reaction to Jason Voorhees’ reveal has been a mix of excitement and some criticism regarding the reveal method. Many players expressed immense satisfaction and relief that their long-standing wish for Jason to join the game has finally come true. Social media channels were filled with celebratory posts and reactions, with some users stating they “NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING.”
However, the 13-hour livestream itself generated considerable discussion. While some appreciated the “analogue horror” style of the teaser, others felt the prolonged, static nature of the stream was “underwhelming” for a major anniversary reveal. Some fans joked about being “ragebaited” or becoming the “10th anniversary killer” themselves due to the wait. There is also some speculation and concern within the community that the Friday the 13th crossover might be limited strictly to Jason as the Killer, without the inclusion of new Survivors or maps. Despite these mixed feelings about the reveal process, the overall sentiment is one of profound excitement for Jason’s imminent arrival.
FAQ
Who is the new Dead by Daylight Killer? Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise is the new Killer.
When will Jason Voorhees be released in Dead by Daylight? Jason Voorhees will be released on Tuesday, June 16.
How was Jason Voorhees revealed? He was revealed after a 13-hour livestream that primarily showed a static image of a cabin in the woods, culminating in a first-person sequence where a machete and hockey mask were picked up.
Will there be new Survivors or maps with Jason Voorhees? The sources do not confirm new Survivors or maps. There is community speculation that the crossover might be limited to Jason as the Killer.
Why did it take so long for Jason Voorhees to be added to Dead by Daylight? Previous reports indicated that tangled rights issues surrounding Friday the 13th were the cause of his absence. These issues appear to have been resolved.