Online multiplayer gaming enthusiasts and horror fans are mourning the closure of servers for Friday the 13th: The Game, following the official announcement by Gun Media. After nearly seven years of thrilling gameplay, with players stepping bravely—or sometimes not so bravely—into the roles of either the infamous killer Jason Voorhees or hapless camp counselors, the end of the line has dawned for this beloved game.
The online service officially shut down on December 31, 2024, marking the conclusion of the game’s virtual existence. Originally released on May 26, 2017, Friday the 13th: The Game gained notoriety for its engaging multiplayer format, where one player could embody Jason, the relentless hockey-masked killer, and the remaining players would strive to escape or defeat him. The game provided fans with an interactive way to immerse themselves in the horror franchise, which, until its digital demise, had not seen new films released since the 2009 remake.
Gun Media’s decision to shut down the online servers stemmed from complications arising out of longstanding legal disputes over the franchise's rights between director Sean S. Cunningham and screenwriter Victor Miller. This convoluted legal battle not only resulted in the absence of new movie content but also restricted the game from receiving updates or new features over the years. The announcement of the shutdown received attention back in June 2023, when the game's official social media channels conveyed, “The time has come. Our license for Friday the 13th will expire on December 21st, 2023.” They confirmed players who already owned the game could access it until December 21, 2024.
Although fans were aware this moment was nearing, it did little to soften the emotional blow felt on New Year’s Eve 2024. Many players gathered at Camp Crystal Lake—virtually, of course—to relive moments from their time spent battling it out against Jason or surviving as counselors. This collective toast to the past was both celebratory and bittersweet, as long-time players donned their best swimsuits to shake off the sorrow with jubilant dances until the final tick of midnight.
Fans shared their experiences on social media, with one commenting, “What I would give for one more hour,” showcasing just how significant the game had been to them. Another voiced solidarity, admitting the “12:01 cutoff time hit like bricks,” summing up the loss poignantly.
While Friday the 13th: The Game bid farewell, its legacy also opened avenues for future possibilities. Reports indicate there is interest in developing another game entity within the franchise, and fans have their hopes set on seeing something new historically tied to Jason Voorhees. The A24-produced TV series titled Crystal Lake is also anticipated, set to air on Peacock, which might rekindle interest among fans of the long-dormant franchise.
Developer Illfonic’s contribution to the project is frequently acknowledged among players, who fondly refer to the game as “a love letter to the films.” The game included various Jason skins and iconic locations spanning the franchise, enhancing the nostalgic experience for fans. Characters, scenarios, and even whacky dances attributed to the camp counselors provided entertainment and thrills aligned with the horror genre.
Despite its conclusion, many hold fond memories of the game, respecting what the developers produced and the community it cultivated. Fans expressed their gratitude on platforms like Reddit, sharing laughs and reminiscing about past encounters, from immense wins to funny unexpected defeats under Jason's relentless reign.
The shutdown of Friday the 13th: The Game resounds deeply with its players, as countless digital campfire stories and memorable rivalries have been extinguished overnight. Nonetheless, there exists hope and spirited discourse about what the future may hold for horror gaming fans—potential remakes, sequels, or entirely new concepts surrounding the indelible legacy of Jason Voorhees and his suicide-inducing antics.
For now, as the echoes of laughter and shrieks fade away, enthusiasts can take solace knowing they’ve been part of something special—an online community connected by the thrills, chills, and, of course, the unforgettable escapades of Friday the 13th: The Game.