Dead by Daylight PvE shooter Project T is canceled following ‘unsatisfactory results’ from playtests

Project T, a PvE co-op shooter set in the Dead by Daylight universe, has been canceled. Developer Midwinter Games cites “unsatisfactory overall results” following a deep analysis from internal risk assessment and commercial teams.

Midwinter Games initially sought feedback for Project T from players who signed up for its early Insider Program to ensure the game was on track to deliver. While many players provided positive responses in feedback surveys following the few playtests Project T had, it wasn’t enough to counteract the negative feedback or make the game a viable commercial product.

Lost in The Backwaters

The above statement was sent to everyone in the Project T Insider Program. It explains how the team was able to get valuable insight into the game much earlier than normal development cycles allow. As such, this enabled the company to see something was seriously lacking when it came to making Project T a viable product it could sell, leading to its cancelation.

I think it’s important to note that the first paragraph of the statement concerns the business side of things. At this point in development, the company doesn’t see whatever signifiers are required to know that the game is worth investing money and time in. It’s brutal and cold, but is hopefully a reflection of authentic player feedback taken into consideration. At the end of the day, the balance is off, and the company can’t take that kind of risk.

However, the second paragraph is much more heartfelt. It thanks players for their support after explaining how canceling Project T wasn’t an easy decision to make. I’m sorry to see the game go because I thought it offered a brilliant new way to explore the Dead by Daylight universe for those who don’t gel with that title’s gameplay.

Publisher Behaviour Interactive had this to add on Project T‘s official Discord server:

“While it’s a sad day for Project T, this early access approach has proven its value for us here at BHVR in how we can get valuable, early insight on our emerging projects. We have other exciting projects on the horizon, and we intend to rely once again on this Insider community to continue giving us valuable feedback and support. The server will be locked down at 5pm EST, but we invite you to stay around and be the first to know when new projects kick off.”

It’s a bittersweet time for all those involved, but I think if anyone knows when a game’s early development needs to be shut down because it’s just not going to be a viable end product, it’s game developers and publishers. I’m keen to see what else Behaviour Interactive has in the works that will benefit from this early access process Project T had.

Project T was initially revealed during Behaviour Interactive’s Dead by Daylight Year 8 anniversary livestream. Midwinter Games was clearly very passionate about the game and wanted to try something different with its Insider Program. It offered members access to playtests so that it could continuously assess what direction development should move in.

Unfortunately, those playtests and this innovative style of development led to Project T getting lost in The Backwaters realm of The Entity that it brought to life. The only way to see the Trespasser characters and monsters that hunted them now is through videos on YouTube. That is unless Behaviour Interactive brings the ideas seen in Project T to live in a future Dead by Daylight Chapter.