Amid rumors of Dead By Daylight removing Leatherface developer Behavior Interactive confirms that the killer will remain in the game. Behavior Interactive has sent DualShockers a statement regarding the rumors.
Dead By Daylight has had a dedicated fanbase since its release in 2015. The game is an asymmetrical survival horror game which tasks four survivors with evading and escaping a single killer, who is controlled by a player. While the roster features original characters the game is known for its collaborations with classic horror films and games. Recent collaborations include Hellraiser and Resident Evil. Leatherface was an early collaboration with Dead By Daylight with the killer being a staple in the competitive meta.
News of Leatherface's removal spread quickly after it was recently implied by the popular Twitter account DbDLeaks. The rumor seemed to stem from rights issues regarding Friday the 13th, which has been a licensing issue for several years now. While Leatherface isn't part of the Friday license, the concern is that the Texas Chainsaw franchise is currently in the same license entanglement. This fear is also being bolstered by the fact that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will be receiving an asymmetrical multiplayer game in the near future.
This also wouldn't be the first instance of a character being removed from the game as the Demogorgon along with two survivors were removed after Netflix declined to renew the license with Behavior. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility, then, that another license could lapse for the game. Behavior Interactive has assured fans that this is not the case.
Behavior Interactive has confirmed with DualShockers that Leatherface is staying in the game. A spokesperson for Behavior told DualShockers in a press release email: "Thank you for taking the time to address the rumors about Leatherface leaving our game. I am glad to share with you that The Cannibal is indeed staying a part of the Dead by Daylight Experience. He's hooked on us!" The developer also sent out a tweet confirming that Leatherface would remain in the game.
Behavior Interactive seems intent on keeping the licenses for the game's guest characters. While the studio lost the Demogorgon, this came from the licensee declining a renegotiation, rather than Behavior letting the license lapse.