Can You Still Unleash the Demogorgon in Dead by Daylight? The Upside Down of Licensing.

Yes, but with a significant caveat: If you purchased The Demogorgon (along with Steve Harrington and Nancy Wheeler) before November 17, 2021, you can still play as the creature from the Upside Down in Dead by Daylight (DBD). However, if you are a new player or missed the deadline, The Demogorgon, along with the associated survivors, is no longer available for purchase. The Stranger Things chapter was removed from the in-game store due to licensing issues, creating a permanent divide between those who own the DLC and those who do not.

The Great Licensing Purge: Why Stranger Things Vanished

The removal of the Stranger Things chapter was a major event in the Dead by Daylight community. It wasn’t a decision made lightly by Behaviour Interactive, the game’s developer. Instead, it was a consequence of Netflix deciding not to renew or extend the Stranger Things license beyond a specific date. This meant that Behaviour Interactive no longer had the legal right to sell the Demogorgon, Steve Harrington, Nancy Wheeler, or any associated cosmetics.

The decision left many players disappointed, particularly those who were new to the game or simply hadn’t prioritized purchasing the DLC before its removal. It created a sense of exclusivity around the Stranger Things characters, transforming them into coveted “legacy” characters. This highlights the complex intersection between game development, intellectual property rights, and the player experience. It also presents interesting challenges for game preservation and the availability of content in the digital age, topics of interest to researchers at places like the Games Learning Society .

The Legacy Lives On: Playing as the Demogorgon Today

For those fortunate enough to have purchased the Stranger Things chapter before its removal, The Demogorgon remains a fully playable killer. You can still unleash its terrifying abilities, traverse the map using its portals, and hunt down survivors in the Entity’s realm. Similarly, players who own Steve and Nancy can continue to play as them, using their unique perks and skills to survive the night. All previously purchased cosmetics for these characters also remain accessible.

The presence of these legacy characters serves as a constant reminder of the licensing issues that can impact the gaming world. It also creates a unique dynamic within the player base, where some players have access to content that others can only dream of. This situation underscores the importance of understanding the terms of service and licensing agreements associated with digital games and DLC.

FAQs: Demogorgons, Dead by Daylight, and the Upside Down of Licensing

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding the Demogorgon and the Stranger Things chapter in Dead by Daylight:

1. Can I buy The Demogorgon DLC from a third-party website?

No. Even if you find a code for the Stranger Things chapter on a third-party website, it will not work. The DLC has been completely removed from the digital distribution channels, and any codes are no longer valid.

2. Will the Stranger Things chapter ever return to Dead by Daylight?

While it’s impossible to say for certain, it’s highly unlikely. Licensing agreements are complex and often expensive. Unless Netflix and Behaviour Interactive reach a new agreement, the Stranger Things chapter will remain unavailable for purchase.

3. What happens to the Hawkins National Laboratory map?

The Hawkins National Laboratory map was also removed from Dead by Daylight along with the Stranger Things characters. It is no longer playable in the game.

4. Can I still unlock the Demogorgon’s teachable perks?

No. Since The Demogorgon is no longer available for purchase, you cannot unlock its teachable perks. This means that new players will not be able to learn perks like Surge, Mindbreaker, or Cruel Limits.

5. Are there any plans to rework the Demogorgon’s perks and make them available to other killers?

Behaviour Interactive has not announced any plans to rework the Demogorgon’s perks or make them available to other killers. However, they have occasionally reworked or replaced perks that become problematic or underused, so it’s possible that this could happen in the future.

6. What is the rarest Demogorgon cosmetic?

Determining the absolute rarest cosmetic is difficult, but generally, cosmetics that were only available for a limited time during special events or promotions are considered the rarest. Any Demogorgon cosmetic is relatively rare now, as no new ones can be acquired.

7. Is it fair that some players have access to the Demogorgon while others don’t?

This is a subjective question. Some players argue that it’s unfair, as it creates a divide in the player base. Others argue that it’s simply a consequence of licensing agreements and that players who purchased the DLC before its removal are entitled to keep it.

8. Could a similar situation happen with other licensed characters in Dead by Daylight?

Yes. Any licensed character in Dead by Daylight could potentially be removed from the game if the licensing agreement expires and is not renewed. This highlights the inherent risk associated with investing in licensed content in digital games.

9. How does this licensing issue impact the future of Dead by Daylight?

This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the reliance on licensed content. It may encourage Behaviour Interactive to focus on developing more original characters and content, which would not be subject to the same licensing restrictions.

10. What are the legal implications of reselling Dead by Daylight accounts with the Demogorgon?

Reselling Dead by Daylight accounts with the Demogorgon is a gray area. While it may not be explicitly illegal, it likely violates the game’s terms of service. Behaviour Interactive could potentially ban accounts that are found to be involved in reselling.

11. Are there any petitions to bring back the Stranger Things chapter?

Yes, there have been numerous petitions and online campaigns to bring back the Stranger Things chapter to Dead by Daylight. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful thus far.

12. How did the Dead by Daylight community react to the removal of the Stranger Things chapter?

The Dead by Daylight community was largely disappointed by the removal of the Stranger Things chapter. Many players expressed their frustration on social media and online forums.

13. What other licensed characters have been removed from Dead by Daylight?

While the Stranger Things chapter is the most prominent example, some limited-time cosmetic items from other licenses have also been removed from the game due to licensing restrictions.

14. Does the removal of the Stranger Things chapter affect the game’s overall popularity?

While the removal of the Stranger Things chapter was a significant event, it did not have a long-term negative impact on the game’s overall popularity. Dead by Daylight continues to be a popular asymmetrical horror game with a large and active player base.

15. How can I learn more about the history of video game licensing and preservation?

There are many resources available online and in libraries that explore the history of video game licensing and preservation. Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation and academic journals focused on game studies, like those often discussed at GamesLearningSociety.org, offer valuable insights into these topics.

In conclusion, while the Demogorgon is no longer available for purchase in Dead by Daylight, those who acquired it before the licensing expiration date can still enjoy playing as this iconic monster. The situation serves as a valuable lesson about the complexities of licensing agreements and their impact on the digital gaming world.