John Carpenter to Develop Two New 'Halloween' Games

New Halloween Games in DevelopmentJohn Carpenter and Boss Team Games Collaborate

The games, still in the early stages of development, will be powered by Unreal Engine 5 and are being created in partnership with Compass International Pictures and Further Front. According to the official release, players will be able to relive moments from the film and step into the shoes of classic characters from the franchise. Boss Team Games CEO Steve Harris described the opportunity to work with characters like Michael Myers and collaborate with John Carpenter as a dream come true, highlighting the team's dedication to delivering a unique and thrilling experience for both horror fans and gamers.

While the announcement has generated significant buzz, further details about the games remain under wraps, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information.

The Halloween Franchise’s Journey Through Gaming and Horror

The Halloween franchise has a storied history in the horror genre but a relatively limited presence in the gaming world. The only official Halloween game to date was released in 1983 for the Atari 2600 by Wizard Video, where players take on the role of a baby-sitter tasked with saving as many children as possible from a knife wielding serial killer. This rare adaptation, alongside Wizard’s version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has become a collector's item over the years.

Michael Myers, the franchise's iconic antagonist, has made several appearances in modern video games as a downloadable content (DLC) character. Notably, he was featured in the popular multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight, where players could embody the terrifying figure. Additionally, Myers appeared as a playable character in a DLC pack for Call of Duty: Ghosts and joined the ranks of Fortnite during the Fortnitemares 2023 event, alongside other horror icons like Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Given the statement that players will be able to play as classic characters, it's possible that both Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, the franchise's enduring protagonist, will feature prominently in the upcoming games. This aligns with the franchise's tradition of pitting these two characters against each other, a dynamic that has captivated audiences for decades.

Since its debut in 1978, the Halloween franchise has become a pillar of the horror genre, spawning 13 films that have cemented its place in cinematic history. The series includes:

　⚫︎　Halloween (1978)
　⚫︎　Halloween II (1981)
　⚫︎　Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
　⚫︎　Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
　⚫︎　Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
　⚫︎　Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
　⚫︎　Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
　⚫︎　Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
　⚫︎　Halloween (2007)
　⚫︎　Halloween (2018)
　⚫︎　Halloween Kills (2021)
　⚫︎　Halloween Ends (2022)

Boss Team Games' Horror Expertise and John Carpenter’s Gaming Passion

Boss Team Games has a strong background in horror gaming, with Evil Dead: The Game standing out as a notable success. Developed in collaboration with Saber Interactive, the game has received acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the beloved horror franchise, leading to multiple editions, including a Game of the Year version.

John Carpenter’s involvement in the new Halloween games is not surprising, given his well-documented love for video games. In a 2022 interview with The AV Club, Carpenter discussed his admiration for the Dead Space series, even expressing a desire to direct a film adaptation of the game. He has also shared his enjoyment of titles like Fallout 76, Borderlands, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Carpenter’s deep connection to gaming, coupled with his horror expertise, promises to bring an authentic and thrilling touch to the upcoming Halloween titles.

As development progresses, fans of the Halloween franchise and horror games alike can look forward to what promises to be a chilling and immersive experience.