John Carpenter Creating Two New Halloween Games

Boss Team Games, in collaboration with John Carpenter, is currently developing two new Halloween titles. Continue reading for specifics about the upcoming games, Boss Team Games' background in horror, and John Carpenter's passion for the gaming industry.

New Halloween Games Currently in Development

John Carpenter Teams Up with Boss Team Games

In a recent IGN exclusive, Boss Team Games—the studio behind Evil Dead: The Game—announced the development of two new horror titles based on the Halloween film series. Adding to the anticipation, John Carpenter, the iconic director of the original 1978 Halloween movie, confirmed his direct involvement in one of the projects. An avid gamer himself, Carpenter voiced his excitement about reintroducing Michael Myers in a video game format, stressing his goal to deliver a genuinely frightening adventure for players.

Currently in the early phases of development, both games will utilize Unreal Engine 5 and are being co-produced with Compass International Pictures and Further Front. As stated in the official announcement, players will have the chance to "relive iconic scenes from the films" and assume the roles of beloved franchise characters. Boss Team Games CEO Steve Harris referred to the collaboration with Carpenter and the opportunity to work with characters such as Michael Myers as a "dream scenario," underscoring the team's commitment to crafting a distinctive and exhilarating experience for horror enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Although the news has sparked considerable excitement, additional game details are being kept confidential, leaving fans highly anticipating future updates.

The Halloween Franchise in Gaming and Horror History

The Halloween franchise boasts a rich legacy within the horror genre, yet its footprint in the gaming industry has been relatively modest. To date, the sole official Halloween game was a 1983 Atari 2600 release by Wizard Video, challenging players to protect as many children as possible from a knife-wielding serial killer. This early adaptation, along with Wizard’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre game, has grown into a coveted collector's item over the decades.

Michael Myers, the series' infamous villain, has surfaced in various modern video games as a downloadable character. He notably appeared in the multiplayer horror hit Dead by Daylight, allowing players to take control of the menacing figure. Myers was also a playable fighter in a Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC pack and joined Fortnite’s roster during the 2023 Fortnitemares event, alongside other horror legends such as The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack Skellington.

Considering the promise that players will "step into the shoes of classic characters," it is likely that both Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, the franchise's resilient heroine, will play central roles in the forthcoming titles. This approach echoes the series’ longstanding tradition of pitting these two figures against one another—a compelling dynamic that has enthralled viewers for generations.

Since its 1978 debut, the Halloween film series has become a horror staple, with 13 installments that have solidified its status in cinema. The complete lineup 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 Pedigree and John Carpenter’s Gaming Fandom

Boss Team Games brings considerable horror expertise to the table, with Evil Dead: The Game as a prime example of their success. Produced alongside Saber Interactive, the game was praised for its authentic representation of the cult horror series, which led to several editions, including a Game of the Year release.

John Carpenter’s participation in the new Halloween titles comes as no surprise, given his widely known enthusiasm for video games. In a 2022 discussion with The AV Club, Carpenter spoke highly of the Dead Space franchise, even mentioning his interest in helming a movie adaptation. He has also expressed his enjoyment of games like Fallout 76, Borderlands, Horizon: Forbidden West, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Carpenter's fusion of gaming insight and horror mastery is set to infuse the upcoming Halloween games with a uniquely intense and engaging quality.

As production continues, fans of the Halloween series and horror gaming can anticipate a deeply immersive and spine-chilling journey.