Daniel Mercer
A new chapter in the Until Dawn saga is on the horizon, as Firesprite, a studio based in Liverpool, is crafting the highly anticipated sequel set to launch on PlayStation 5 in 2027. Titled Until Dawn 2, this installment retains the essence of the original choose-your-own-adventure survival horror experience, but shifts the setting from a frigid mountain to an eerie tropical island.
The storyline of Until Dawn 2 revolves around a group of young-adult ghost hunters who are friends, with the exception of a mysterious muscular stranger among them. They run a budding paranormal investigation channel and have recently inked a deal with a television network. This leads them to a secluded island where they aim to capture (or fabricate) thrilling footage. Amidst the lush waterfalls and vibrant greenery, the adventure takes a dark turn when a masked killer armed with a machete brutally attacks one of the characters. The sequel promises to incorporate the series’ hallmark quick-time events, where split-second decisions lead to deadly outcomes and graphic violence for those who falter.
Firesprite elaborates on the new mechanics of the game:
“Will you take the risk to save an adorable baby boar from a vicious bear trap? Will you maintain a scandalous affair despite the potential fallout within the group? Will you push a teammate to their limits for the sake of content that your demanding boss insists you must produce? This time, your ability to navigate relationships among the crew carries greater significance than ever. Some narrative branches will depend on the dynamics between characters. It’s not only the monumental moments that count; even minor interactions can trigger a Butterfly Effect, leading your story in unexpected directions.”
Until Dawn 2 stands alone as a narrative and appears to embrace the classic teenage slasher vibe, a refreshing approach for fans of the genre. The trailer features a scene reminiscent of a couple being interrupted mid-kiss in the forest, echoing elements from Cabin in the Woods, a cult classic in horror cinema. Originally launched in 2015, Until Dawn also captured a similar b-horror essence, indicating promising developments ahead.
The first Until Dawn was developed by Supermassive Games and published by Sony, emerging as a cult favorite that inspired several spin-offs, including the VR titles Rush of Blood and The Inpatient. In 2022, Supermassive released The Quarry, a spiritual successor to Until Dawn, which, while entertaining, did not quite match the original’s tension and flow. The studio also produced The Dark Pictures Anthology series from 2019 to 2022. In early 2024, some of Supermassive’s co-founders departed, leading to substantial layoffs within the company.
Firesprite, the creative force behind Until Dawn 2, was established by former members of the renowned Studio Liverpool, creators of the Wipeout series, and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony in 2021. Sony has held the Until Dawn franchise rights since its inception, hence the label “spiritual successor” applied to Supermassive’s subsequent titles. They also produced a film and a remake scheduled for release in 2025, both based on the original game.
Ethan Carter
