Summary
- Alone in the Dark 2024 under-performed in sales and reception, putting the franchise at risk of fading away yet again.
- The future of Alone in the Dark now may be uncertain due to possible lack of support, potential closure, or major shakeups to developer Pieces Interactive by parent corporation Embracer Group.
- Alone in the Dark is an iconic series in gaming's horror genre that shouldn't be relegated to obscurity after one struggling game.
Alone in the Dark has been a part of gaming since its earlier era, with the highly influential first title having been released back in 1992. After a few direct followups between 1993 and 1995, the series itself went dark until 2001 with The New Nightmare. Two more titles were then produced in 2008 and 2015, although neither were well-received, often being described as franchise entries in name only. This remained the case until 2022, when a new project was announced. While the distinction may be semantic for some, Alone in the Dark (2024) is technically neither a remake, remaster, nor reboot, but as described by developers at Pieces Interactive, a ground-up reimagining of the original game's core themes, characters, and atmosphere filtered through a modern lens of design and presentation.
Alone in the Dark was released this Spring to generally positive though sometimes mixed reactions. But according to financial reports and statements made by parent corporation, Embracer Group, the reimagined version of Alone in the Dark under-performed in expected sales and reception. This likely unfortunately places it in the crosshairs of possibly not being subsequently supported, and the franchise may be at risk of disappearing yet again. This doesn't have to be the outcome, though, and AITD should be sustained given its indelible place in gaming.
Alone in the Dark Devs Talk Reimagining, Not Remaking the Classic Horror Game
The Best War Games talks to the developers of Alone in The Dark about replayability and renovating a landmark survival horror title.
Alone in the Dark 2024's Less Than Shining Sales Shouldn't Spell the Series' Doom
Alone in the Dark 2024's Reception
The latest Alone in the Dark currently stands at Mostly Positive ratings on Steam, with Metacritic scores of 63 (critic) and 7.5 (user.) But as mentioned, it was reported that, based on quarterly financial earnings, Embracer Group, who owns publisher THQ Nordic, stated that its performance was "softer than expected," although did not disclose what those expectations exactly may have been in terms of reception and numbers. This is still an unfortunate and troubling circumstance, though, as it now casts doubt on the series and any future related projects. Given the track record of Embracer closing and shuffling around various studios and IPs, the situation is understandably undesirable and worrisome for both developers and audiences.
Embracer continues attempts to restructure and recover from its issues in the wake of previous acquisitions and deals that did not pan out.
How Alone in the Dark Could Forge Ahead
It is always disheartening to hear about situations like this, especially since Alone in the Dark is such a seminal and important franchise for one of the most popular genres in gaming, one which it in fact helped invent and codify. It pioneered so many of the staples and philosophies that have since become regarded as cornerstones, and which countless titles since have either directly or in spirit taken cues from. Many of the best survival horror games seen since could be said to owe a debt to Alone in the Dark's vision and establishing aspects in some way, and this fact alone could be a reason for the series not to go into limbo again.
While the franchise has had its struggles in the past, in this case its "failings" might be through no fault of the passion and effort put into the finished product, instead being hampered by external pressures and goals that may have been ill-defined. The sustainability of Embracer's business approach has been noted and questioned more in light of its actions. It would thus be a true shame for this to be the reason Alone in the Dark disappears again, especially with the recent resurgence in AAA survival horror games like it, and the potential for its future.
Though there haven't been any consequences due to the above at this time, the danger is still present, should Embracer decide to take drastic actions in line with its previous ones. Perhaps if there is enough audience pushback, though, this could be avoided. While only time will tell, hopefully Alone in the Dark's "under-performance" in the eyes of the company will not be the final nail in the coffin, and Pieces Interactive is able to continue forward with its plans for any more AITD or related projects without being burdened by the possibility of a shutdown or other major shakeups detrimental to development.
Alone in the Dark
- Released
- March 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Alone in the Dark weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological horror and Southern Gothic charm, reimagining the iconic game that set the benchmark for the genre. We invite you to join us on a journey into madness, where each encounter could be your last. With each step you take closer to unravelling Derceto's mystery, the eyes that watch from the darkness grow hungrier.
Every bullet means the difference between survival and an unthinkable end. The next door you unlock could lead to a nightmarish realm offering nothing but slashing claws, grasping tentacles, and frayed sanity. Journey to interbellum Louisiana, where an era of decadence hides a darker tale - of escape from past traumas and an intolerant society, into the waiting grasp of something darker, something that has patiently lurked for impossible eons.
This is Alone in the Dark as you've never seen it - a skillfully-woven narrative of Southern Gothic elegance and eldritch madness that pays homage to its legendary origins while taking the next step forward in survival horror storytelling.
- Developer(s)
- Pieces Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- THQ Nordic
- Franchise
- Alone in the Dark
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
