Halloween Video Game Revealed: Gameplay, Release Date, and What to Expect

The iconic slasher franchise is stepping back into the shadows with a fresh twist: Halloween, a new horror video game adaptation of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, just got its first proper gameplay reveal during Sony’s State of Play September 2025 broadcast.

Not only did IllFonic finally show what players can expect, but the studio also locked down a release date – September 8, 2026 – when the game will creep onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through both Steam and the Epic Games Store.

IllFonic, the developer behind asymmetric multiplayer titles such as Friday the 13th: The Game, Predator: Hunting Grounds, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, is pushing into darker territory with Halloween. Unlike their previous works, which leaned heavily into multiplayer chaos, this project promises a hybrid approach. Players will be able to step into Michael Myers’ chilling footsteps or test their survival instincts in traditional asymmetric multiplayer, while also exploring a dedicated single-player experience. For fans craving something closer to Alien: Isolation, IllFonic hints at a persistent stalker-driven mode designed to recreate the tension of being hunted across Haddonfield.

The gameplay reveal teased tense stealth mechanics, ominous environments, and the unnerving presence of Myers himself. Some fans, however, couldn’t help but notice similarities to IllFonic’s earlier titles – something of a double-edged blade. For many, the resemblance to Friday the 13th is a nostalgic comfort; for others, it raises questions about whether Halloween will innovate beyond the studio’s well-worn formula. Critics have already pointed out the long wait, with some suggesting that the project’s unveiling a full year ahead of release might sap momentum. Others argue that the game’s dual focus – balancing single-player and multiplayer – could finally deliver the depth players felt was missing in IllFonic’s previous adaptations.

What the demo did establish is atmosphere: creeping shadows, door creaks, and that unforgettable piano theme combine to make Halloween feel authentic to its film roots. Whether it ends up as a reskinned asymmetric title or a breakout horror experience will depend on how IllFonic sharpens its design in the months ahead. Either way, Michael Myers is returning, knife in hand, and the gaming world will be waiting to see if he can still strike fear in 2026.