Electronic Arts is reportedly gauging interest in remakes ofDead Space 2andDead Space 3, similar to what EA Motive did with itsDead Spaceremake. The reception to the modern update forDead Spacehas been very impressive so far. It’s perhaps unsurprising that excitement for the horror franchise’s return is causing Electronic Arts to consider what its next step is. What is surprising, however, is that Electronic Arts isn’t sure if remakingDead Space 2andDead Space 3is the correct choice.The originalDead Spacewas released in 2008 and was lauded as a horror masterpiece, winning many awards. However, it did not perform exceptionally sales-wise.Dead Space 2andDead Space 3, released in 2011 and 2013, were substantially different from the first game as a result. The two left behind critically acclaimed writers Warren Ellis, Rick Remender, and Antony Johnston and leaned more heavily toward set-piece horror and frantic action. The franchise was shelved after bothDead Space 2andDead Space 3’s sales disappointed.RELATED:Motive Studio Is Interested in ‘Exploring Dead Space More’Dead Spaceis now back and in a remarkably similar situation to the original game’s release. EA Motive’s work onDead Spacehas been warmly received, but it’s unclear if sales are high enough to make furtherDead Spaceprojects a certainty. Electronic Arts appears to be seeking help regarding its next step. Game developer Dillon Rogers shared on Twitter that EA issued a survey asking “how interested” players would be in remakes ofDead Space 2andDead Space 3.
Throwing a wrench into the equation is the fact thatDead Spaceremake developer EA Motive has already been committed to another major project.Marvel’s Iron Manwas announced as EA Motive’s next projectin September 2022. It’s possible, but unlikely, that EA Motive could co-develop two AAA projects at the same time without growing substantially.
Electronic Arts is certainly more than capable of finding another studio tomake aDead Space 2remake, but that introduces major risks. It’s not clear ifDead Space 2will prove as successful as the firstDead Spaceremake, or whether a new developer could create as polished an experience as EA Motive did.
Remakes may not be the best path forward for Electronic Arts, either, as there are other options. Electronic Arts could take inspiration from Square Enix withFinal Fantasy 7and redirect theDead Spacefranchise toward something new. It could beinspired by Konami andSilent Hill, licensingDead Spaceout for multiple unique smaller projects.Dead Spacedoesn’t have to retread history. It could stay true toDead Space’s horror roots in a way thatDead Space 2and3didn’t, or it could hope that this time things will work out differently.
Dead Spaceis available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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