Evil Dead: The Game has had a rough time since its May 2022 launch. Early sales for the title were high, but the game's post-launch success is hard to determine. Reviews for Evil Dead: The Game were average, with critics citing an overall lack of content bringing down what was otherwise a strong asymmetrical horror game. With Evil Dead: The Game included in PlayStation Plus' list of free games for February 2023, developer Saber Interactive picked the perfect time to release Evil Dead's battle royale mode, Splatter Royale.
Despite a lack of content at launch, Evil Dead: The Game was a worthy horror title in 2022 due to its successful adaptation of the source material. The Evil Dead IP is known for its gruesome horror and comical dialogue, but above all else, it's loved for its ridiculous violence. Launching a battle royale mode in which the deadite plague spreads to up to 40 players is therefore perfectly in line with the overall tone of the title and adds some much-needed content to begin 2023.
Evil Dead: The Game Picked the Perfect Time to Launch Splatter Royale
Evil Dead: The Game launched with both single and multiplayer modes. Whereas the bulk of the title consisted of asymmetrical online matches, Missions offered players the chance to take on single-player scenarios that retell important plot points from the Evil Dead franchise. Though Evil Dead's multiplayer was one of 2022's best, the bare-bones state of its Missions mode led to the title's reputation for lacking content. After launch, the title struggled to cultivate a growing player base, as updates to Evil Dead: The Game consisted of paid DLC characters for its multiplayer mode, and little else.
Last week, Sony revealed its free PS Plus offerings for February. Evil Dead: The Game's inclusion on the list means that millions of players will have access to the title who otherwise may not have given it a second glance. With the prospective boost in active players for Evil Dead: The Game headed into February, it was the perfect time to add new content to the waning title. Luckily for fans, Saber Interactive followed up Sony's reveal with a battle royale mode called Splatter Royale.
On February 2, 2023, Splatter Royale launched as a free update for Evil Dead: The Game. The 40-player mode allows fans to choose from deadite versions of the game's many playable characters, and battle to be the last one standing. Given the potential influx of players from PS Plus' free offer, adding a battle royale mode is a perfect way to capture new players' attention, and reward veteran fans with the content they've been craving. Evil Dead: The Game has a fanbase, but its source material is certainly not for everyone. As a new mode that requires less knowledge of the Evil Dead IP, added at a time when casual players are dipping their toes into the title, Splatter Royale has the potential to become a major contributor to the game's long-term success.
At a time when Evil Dead: The Game has fallen off of many players' radars, the simultaneous offering of a major update and free access via PS Plus offers a second chance to the title. Splatter Royale will bring new players to Evil Dead: The Game, while giving veterans a reason to return. The update also comes at a time of increased relevance for the film series, with Evil Dead Rises due to release in April 2023. In a genre infamous for skill differences between players old and new, Splatter Royale's launching alongside a new player base offers an even playing field from which Evil Dead: The Game's popularity can grow. Time will tell if Splatter Royale breathes new life into the title, but fans know Evil Dead has a penchant for resurrection.
Evil Dead: The Game is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.