The Friday the 13th franchise continues to expand beyond its cinematic roots. Vincent Disanti, best known for creating the Never Hike Alone trilogy of acclaimed fan films, recently spoke about the upcoming Friday the 13th video game during a podcast. According to Disanti, fans should temper expectations regarding a release window, as both the new film and the game remain in the earliest stages of development.
Disanti stressed that development on the game has only just begun and that announcements will not be coming in the immediate future. However, he confirmed that there is indeed one game in active development, putting to rest some long-circulating rumors. Importantly, he clarified that neither Gun Media nor Illfonic—the studios behind the 2017 asymmetrical multiplayer title Friday the 13th: The Game—will be involved in this new project. While their prior entry earned a cult following, ongoing legal disputes surrounding the franchise and its licensing issues led to its eventual shutdown, closing the door on any continuation from those developers.
Instead, Disanti suggested that the upcoming title is being handled by a larger, more established studio. While he refrained from naming the developer, he implied that this new team has the resources and ambition to deliver a much more expansive vision of Crystal Lake than fans have previously seen. Disanti noted that the game may not be a direct continuation of the Illfonic project, but it is expected to build on similar ideas while incorporating more advanced technology and broader gameplay opportunities. He also hinted that features players wished for in the last game but never received may finally be realized in this new installment.
Though no official details have been revealed by the publisher or rights holders, the confirmation alone is enough to spark excitement. Disanti advised fans to be patient but assured them that when the project is unveiled, it will come with impressive technical upgrades and creative ambition. He described the engines and overall production values as “that much better,” promising an experience that respects the legacy of Jason Voorhees while pushing the series forward in interactive form.
The Friday the 13th franchise remains one of the most enduring in American horror. Spanning twelve films, novels, comics, and multiple video games, the saga of Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake has generated over $468 million at the global box office and established one of the most iconic images in pop culture through Jason’s hockey mask. Despite critical dismissal of the films themselves, the series has left an indelible mark on horror and continues to thrive through new adaptations.
With both a new film and video game officially in development as of July 2025, the future of Friday the 13th looks set to keep audiences and players returning to the cursed grounds of Crystal Lake for years to come.
