Electronic Arts is reportedly gauging interest in remakes of Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, similar to what EA Motive did with its Dead Space remake. The reception to the modern update for Dead Space has been very impressive so far. It's perhaps unsurprising that excitement for the horror franchise's return is causing Electronic Arts to consider what its next step is. What is surprising, however, is that Electronic Arts isn't sure if remaking Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3 is the correct choice.The original Dead Space was released in 2008 and was lauded as a horror masterpiece, winning many awards. However, it did not perform exceptionally sales-wise. Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, released in 2011 and 2013, were substantially different from the first game as a result. The two left behind critically acclaimed writers Warren Ellis, Rick Remender, and Antony Johnston and leaned more heavily toward set-piece horror and frantic action. The franchise was shelved after both Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3's sales disappointed.Dead Space is now back and in a remarkably similar situation to the original game's release. EA Motive's work on Dead Space has been warmly received, but it's unclear if sales are high enough to make further Dead Space projects a certainty. Electronic Arts appears to be seeking help regarding its next step. Game developer Dillon Rogers shared on Twitter that EA issued a survey asking "how interested" players would be in remakes of Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3.
Throwing a wrench into the equation is the fact that Dead Space remake developer EA Motive has already been committed to another major project. Marvel's Iron Man was announced as EA Motive's next project in September 2022. It's possible, but unlikely, that EA Motive could co-develop two AAA projects at the same time without growing substantially.
Electronic Arts is certainly more than capable of finding another studio to make a Dead Space 2 remake, but that introduces major risks. It's not clear if Dead Space 2 will prove as successful as the first Dead Space remake, or whether a new developer could create as polished an experience as EA Motive did.
Remakes may not be the best path forward for Electronic Arts, either, as there are other options. Electronic Arts could take inspiration from Square Enix with Final Fantasy 7 and redirect the Dead Space franchise toward something new. It could be inspired by Konami and Silent Hill, licensing Dead Space out for multiple unique smaller projects. Dead Space doesn't have to retread history. It could stay true to Dead Space's horror roots in a way that Dead Space 2 and 3 didn't, or it could hope that this time things will work out differently.
Dead Space is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.