While a report earlier today surfaced which suggested the Dead Space franchise, as we know it, was dead, that is apparently not the case. The report in question mentioned that disappointing early sales numbers and insider comments led to speculation that Dead Space 4, a project that had been in the early stages of development, was cancelled.
However, as it turns out, EA is not ready to pull the plug on Dead Space just yet, or at least that’s the message they’re putting out right now. Moreover, the publisher is “proud of the game” and they believe the “franchise remains an important IP to EA.”
Of course that’s a line we’ve heard before, mere days before a future project is cancelled or falls into development hell. After all, EA does not want to project a lack of faith in a product that still has some DLC content in the pipeline. How could EA keep gamers invested in future content if they say, in no uncertain terms, this is the last fans will see of Dead Space. Well, apparently a sequel was (is?) in development.
According to a source for VideoGamer.com, Dead Space 4 was in the early stages of pre-production at Visceral Games‘ Montreal studio where prototypes and mockups were being developed. This news might come as a shock to some who thought Dead Space 3 was the end to the trilogy, but those who have played the game to completion know there are some places future titles can go. However, it is rumored that the forthcoming DLC will actually tie up those loose story threads, so maybe Dead Space 4 pre-production was early brainstorming and nothing more.
Additionally, for whatever image EA might want to project, the fact still remains that many employees with Visceral Montreal were laid off. Studio closures or lay offs are never a good sign, and they raise even more concern considering Visceral Montreal has a new game, Army of Two: Devil’s Cartel, slated to release at the end of the month.
There was even a point where it seemed like Dead Space 3 might not be in the cards, after sales numbers were tepid for Dead Space 2. EA then tasked Visceral with retooling the franchise – making it more action heavy and introducing a cooperative element to bolster sales numbers. Needless to say we’re not ready to say goodbye to Isaac Clarke until EA officially pulls the plug.
Would you like to see a Dead Space 4? Do you think that the franchise will ever be the triple-A offering that EA apparently wants?
-
Source: VideoGamer
Electronic Arts Discontinues Online Pass Program 
Lionhead Job Listings Hint at ‘Fable 4′ ‘Reimagining’ the Franchise 
‘Deadpool’ Box Art Answers the Question: What Does ‘Awesome’ Look Like? 
‘Batman: Arkham Origins’ Teaser Spotlights Deathstroke 
Loading ...
Wow. I know that a lot of people didn’t care for the direction taken in Dead Space 3 but I had no idea the franchise was in such a pinch after Dead Space 2.
This is better news. The three Dead Space games were the best gaming experiences I’ve had this generation. Hopefully they are starting work on a new Dead Space trilogy for the next generation of consoles and PC.
i thought it was ok
Does Dead Space need a Dead Space 4? Would that be milking it? Haven’t played Dead Space 3 yet because of sudden and unexpected financial woes.
Dead Space was not a great game. Dead Space 2 was not a great game. Dead Space 3 was not a game I had interest in buying. EA strikes again.
NOOOOOOOO NO NO NOOOOO the story concluded leave it alone plz
TaboriHK, t3b, all others who don’t care for the game (or did like the game but don’t want to play any additional continuations).
If there were to be a DS4… don’t play it
Poor Dead Space. If they really are making Dead Space 4 then i’d be surprised if the series ended with even a somewhat decent conclusion. Even with 3 they’re doing post ending dlc. I guess we’ll see how far they milk it.
I am a huge dead space fan. I hope they keep the franchise going as long as possible. The game series is not perfect but it incorporates all the things that I like in a gaming experience. So my fingers are crossed for dead space 4
Dead space 3 should be game of 2013 and dead space 4 should be called dead space forever for the idiot rumors
I absolutely love DEADSPACE. The first two were epic! DEADSPACE 3 left was not exactly what I expected.. I really wish it was longer and had the MP like DS2. I feel like EA and the developers tried to hard on DS3 and kinda lost its edge. If you want to get the sales up then reconnect with that feeling DEADSPACE gave is in the original. Issac Clarke is my a time favorite video game Protagonist. If there is to be a DEADSPACE 4 ( please let it be!! ) then drop EVERYTHING that was done in DS3 and get back to the games roots, and give Issac an epic death scene. It’s the only way he should go out…
An after thought: DEADSPACE sales aren’t what EA expected because the game doesn’t get alot of marketing. Look at games like CALL OF DUTY or MADDEN, those franchises get alot of radio and commercial airtime, while I didnt hardly see a single advertisement for DEADSPACE (any of the 3) until maybe a few weeks before their release date. If you pump up the game with advertisements then you generate a larger fan base, and maintain the fan base thats been there since the introduction of DEADSPACE and the unforgettable Issac Clarke. ADVERTISE ADVERTISE ADVERTISE! It’s that simple.
The first dead space marked a new era in survival horror games. The constant scares and screams you would hear down the hall of a dim lighted room and unexpected scares made the game successful. It was something new! Dead space 2 grew up to be a horror thrill rid with minor action sequences but still had the creepy horror feel that we come to love in the first game. Than there’s dead space 3. A franchise that went from scars and chills to a game that EA wanted to “appeal to a bigger audience” dead space 3 changed everything we came to know and love so much about the franchise that made it successful. co op and running and shooting with action sequences doesn’t mix well with survival horror. If there is a dead space 4. I think EA and visceral game industries should consider going back to the master piece dead space grew to be. Scares and isolation with the ever grossing fear of death. Not running with a partner with over powered weapons and action sequences like dead space 3. If that’s what dead space 4 is going to be looking like than all I have to say is don’t waste the money on production that want sell as well as the first two