Jason Voorhees Joins Dead by Daylight as Playable Killer on June 16

On June 16, 2026, Jason Voorhees will become a playable Killer in Dead by Daylight, aligning with the game's 10th anniversary week. Behaviour Interactive, the developer, announced this addition as the centerpiece of Chapter 40 in the ongoing anniversary event. This marks a significant moment for fans following the shutdown and delisting of Friday the 13th: The Game in 2023 due to licensing disputes.

The character’s inclusion had faced challenges due to complex rights ownership. Jason Voorhees’ rights were divided between Victor Miller, who owns the domestic US rights, and various foreign rights holders. This division caused prolonged legal deadlock, ultimately resulting in the closure of Friday the 13th: The Game in 2020 and its removal from digital storefronts in 2023. The issue was resolved through the Jason Universe initiative by Horror Inc., which aimed to unify the franchise’s rights across gaming, film, and merchandise. According to CBR, this collaborative approach may serve as a model for other stalled horror intellectual properties such as Evil Dead or A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Details of the 10th Anniversary Event

Jason will be playable starting June 16, although specific details about his abilities and perks have not been disclosed yet; only a brief teaser has been released. The 10th anniversary event spans from June 16 to July 7 and features exclusive cosmetic items. Additionally, a Collector’s Edition will be available from June 12 through July 31. Behaviour Interactive has also announced a live event scheduled for June 14 in Montreal, two days prior to the character’s in-game launch. The downloadable content will be released simultaneously across all platforms.

Dead by Daylight’s Growth and Strategic Timing

Dead by Daylight has expanded its player base to over 60 million, largely driven by collaborations with licensed horror franchises including Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and the Xenomorph. Jason Voorhees stands as the most prominent remaining horror icon to join the game, filling a gap left since the discontinuation of dedicated titles in the genre. The timing of his arrival coincides with the upcoming premiere of A24 and Peacock’s Crystal Lake prequel series on October 15, 2026, which will reintroduce Jason to a broad audience shortly after his debut in Dead by Daylight. Pricing details for Chapter 40’s downloadable content have not yet been released.