Developer Ballistic Moon is set to release a “rebuilt and enhanced” edition of the horror title Until Dawn this Friday, which promises more than just improved graphics for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC users. This remastered version of the original game from 2015 introduces an intriguing new ending that hints at potential developments for the franchise.
While Ballistic Moon has emphasized that they aimed to preserve the core narrative without altering key events, they have incorporated a “cinematic update” to elevate visual quality. Notably, this remaster features a revamped prologue and at least one additional ending. Leaked footage prior to launch suggests significant changes, including an alternate fate for Josh, portrayed by Rami Malek, along with an epilogue featuring Sam, played by Hayden Panettiere.
Spoiler Alert: Key Plot Details Ahead
The original Until Dawn is known for its branching storyline where player decisions lead to various character outcomes—some survive while others meet grim fates or transform into cannibalistic wendigos. In the initial release, Josh’s journey ended with him trapped underground as he succumbed to becoming a wendigo.
In contrast, the new ending presents a different scenario: Josh remains isolated but retains his humanity. A voiceover from his psychiatrist Dr. Alan Hill suggests there may be hope for redemption in his future.
Furthermore, an epilogue set several years after the game’s conclusion centers on Sam’s life in Los Angeles. She awakens from troubled sleep surrounded by medication hinting at her struggles with post-traumatic stress or anxiety stemming from her harrowing experiences in Until Dawn. On her nightstand lies a book titled Creature Myths of the Great Plains, indicating her interest in mythological creatures—a possible nod towards her ongoing psychological battle. Additionally, she bears what appears to be an unhealed wound resembling a wendigo bite.
This fresh conclusion could pave the way for a direct sequel; clues about its development may lie within Sony-owned Firesprite Games’ current projects. The studio is reportedly working on a “AAA narrative-driven horror-adventure game using Unreal Engine 5,” as indicated by recent job postings. An employee’s resume revealed plans for an “unannounced branching horror-adventure game” based on existing intellectual property (IP).
In September, Ballistic Moon announced significant layoffs due to scaling down their team size significantly. Meanwhile, Supermassive Games—the original creators of Until Dawn—have shifted focus but continue producing branching narratives through titles like The Quarry and their upcoming project within The Dark Pictures anthology titled Directive 8020.
Additionally, fans can look forward to a live-action adaptation of Until Dawn, currently under development with actor Peter Stormare reprising his role as Dr. Hill; David F. Sandberg will direct this film adaptation following his work on projects such as Annabelle: Creation and Shazam!
As anticipation builds around these developments surrounding both video games and film adaptations related to Until Dawn, it’s clear that both old fans and newcomers alike have much more content coming their way soon.