After just three years of runtime, the multiplayerEvil Dead: The Gameis being removed from storefronts. The always-online asymmetrical horror title based on the movies pit four players against enemies and each other in a tense battle for survival. A year after its 2022 release, the title announced it would end support and updates, although the servers would be kept online with permanent double EXP and skill points for fans to enjoy.
Now, the game willbecome unavailable to purchase on digital storefronts, including Steam, the Epic store, and the PlayStation store.Developer Saber Interactive has announced on the game’sSteampage that it “has begun the process of removing the game from digital storefronts.” The developer doesn’t explain why it’s taking these steps now, despite ceasing development on the game over two years ago.
You Can’t Buy The Game, But You Can Still Play It
The game version of theEvil Deadfranchise was meant to be alove letter for horror fans, bringing in elements and characters from the three movies and theAsh vs Evil DeadTV show. Despite Saber Interactive’s best efforts, the game failed to hit it off with fans,reaching an all-time high of only 586 concurrent playersin 2023, according toSteamDB. Although the title has remained a favorite among asmall but dedicated group of fans.
Despite the dire number of players and lack of support and development,the servers will remain online for the few fans who are still playing. According to the Steam update, “anyone who has purchased the game will still be able to play it as we plan to keep our servers online for everyone.” The developer also takes the chance to thank both old and new fans for sticking with them:
“We want to extend a sincere thank you to our community, to those who have been part of the game from the very beginning, and those who have recently joined us. We appreciate all of your support.”
The Past Few Years Haven’t Been Good For Live Service Games
Not every multiplayer game is going to hit it as big as the industry’s behemoths, butfailed attempts at live service games are increasing in frequency in recent years.Besides the high-profile disastrouslaunch and immediate shutdown ofConcord, several other games have recently announced imminent server shutdowns. It’s a real shame for fans of certain titles, likeRed Dead Redemption Online, whosededicated fanbase has started a petitionto try to save the game that’s currently sitting at just over 10,000 signatures.
The removal of the game from stores is an especially bittersweet moment, marking the true beginning of the end for the title. Although the studio hasn’t shared any specific server shutdown plans forEvil Dead: The Game, getting delisted from Steam and other digital storefronts means that the game is nearing the end of its life.
