Behaviour Interactive Inc. has officially launched the much-anticipated "Junji Ito Collection" for the asymmetric multiplayer horror game, Dead by Daylight, on January 8, 2025. This exciting collaboration merges the spine-chilling world of horror manga created by Junji Ito, one of the genre's most influential figures, with the intense gameplay of Dead by Daylight.
Dead by Daylight, known for its unique gameplay mechanics where one player takes on the role of the killer and four others become survivors, has captivated over 60 million players worldwide since its debut. Players work to repair generators scattered throughout the map to escape, whilst the killer hunts them down. This new collection adds new layers of horror by incorporating designs from Junji Ito's iconic work, bringing his beloved characters to life within the game.
This collaboration not only appeals to existing fans of Ito's horror manga but also provides new players with the opportunity to experience the unsettling and surreal themes he is known for. The skins draw directly from several of his famous characters, offering players nostalgic connections to his stories.
The collection features eight distinct skins, each representing characters from Ito's acclaimed works:
- Tomie: A legendary outfit for the Spirit character, embodying the essence of Ito's infamous character.
- Souichi's Party Outfit: Inspired by the various stories featuring Souichi, this skin is specially made for the Trickster character.
- Half-Demon's Agony: A rare design for the Dredge inspired by "Tunnel Phantom,” showcasing Ito's penchant for horror.
- Ryu's Uniform: A design named after one of the young female characters from "Tomie,” worn by Kimura Yui.
- Akiko's Fame: This skin for Lee Yun-Jin draws inspiration from the tale of the "Hanged Balloon,” capturing Ito's dark creativity.
- The Puppet’s Sinister Ballet: A rare outfit for Kate Denson inspired by "The Manipulator's House,” continuing the haunting aesthetic.
- The Dark Past of the Twins: A very rare design based on “The Strange Dragging Brothers’ Séance,” embodying the eerie nature of the twins.
- Yasuko: Legendary Coordinate: A legendary coordinate for artists inspired by the characters from "Rumors" and "Fashion Model.”
Fans of Junji Ito can eagerly enjoy how their favorite characters have taken on new roles as terrifying killers, adding another level of depth to the gameplay experience. Ito expressed his excitement about this unique intersection of his work and gaming. "My characters have become more terrifying than I imagined; seeing them come to life as killers was incredibly moving," he said, reflecting on his recent test play of the game.
The collaboration taps directly from the motifs often found throughout Ito's narratives - body horror, cosmic horror, and psychological dread. With characters such as faceless beings, twisted puppets, and ghoulish entities, the synergy between Ito’s creations and the game's atmosphere seems almost predestined. Junji Ito’s artistic style, known for its surreal and visceral horror, aligns well with the chilling world of Dead by Daylight.
Players can find the Junji Ito Collection available across multiple platforms including Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Epic Games Store, and Nintendo Switch. It promises to offer thrilling gameplay experiences for both longtime fans of the game and newcomers alike.
Behaviour Interactive continues to innovate within the horror genre, providing unique opportunities for crossover experiences like this. With each addition to Dead by Daylight, they explore various facets of horror, and this latest collaboration is bound to leave fans excited and eager for more.