Okay, so picture this: it's 2025, and we're all still obsessed with Dead by Daylight. The game's a crossover juggernaut at this point, right? We've got everyone from Silent Hill's Pyramid Head to Stranger Things' Demogorgon running around. But as I was scrolling through some old gaming news recently, a thought hit me like a zombie with a lead pipe – there's one classic horror franchise that feels like it's been waiting in the wings forever, and with its recent resurgence, the timing has never been more perfect. I'm talking, of course, about Dead Rising.

Let's be real, DBD's crossovers are the lifeblood of the game. Every new chapter isn't just a skin pack; it's a whole new way to play. A new killer means a new meta to learn and complain about on the forums 🤡. A new survivor brings perks that can completely flip a match. And a new map? That's just pure, chaotic fun. The developers at Behaviour Interactive have been absolute legends at weaving these other worlds into the Entity's realm. From the gritty realism of Alan Wake to the iconic terror of Resident Evil (twice!), they've shown they can handle just about any horror property you throw at them.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Dead Rising made a HUGE comeback in late 2024 with the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. After what felt like an eternity since Dead Rising 4 (2016, anyone?), Frank West was finally back in the spotlight. This wasn't just a simple port; it was a full-blown revival for the franchise. For us fans, it was like finding a perfectly preserved katana in a sports store – a glorious surprise. This remaster did two crucial things:

1. It reintroduced a classic to a new generation of players.

2. It proved there's still massive love and commercial potential for the series.

This revival creates the absolute perfect storm for a Dead by Daylight collaboration. Think about the synergy! Releasing a DBD chapter alongside or shortly after the remaster would be a marketing masterstroke. Fans playing the remaster would get hyped to see Frank in another game, and DBD players curious about the guy with the camera might just check out the remaster. It's a win-win.

So, what would this chapter actually look like? Let's break it down, because the options are honestly fantastic.

The Survivor: Frank "I've Covered Wars, You Know" West

This is the easiest part. Frank West is the undeniable face of Dead Rising. He's resourceful, sarcastic, and has survived hordes of zombies using everything from a novelty mask to a lawnmower. As a survivor, his perks practically write themselves. Imagine a perk called "Improvised Weaponry" that lets you briefly stun the killer with a random item found in a chest, or "Photo Op" where completing a skill check on a generator grants a temporary speed boost. He'd fit right in with the other video game legends like Leon Kennedy and Cheryl Mason.

The Killer: The Choices Are Endless (Literally)

This is where it gets fun. Dead Rising has some iconic psychopaths, but we have to be strategic.

• Adam MacIntyre (The Clown): He's probably the most recognizable boss from the first game. The problem? We already have a clown – The Clown. While Adam with his chainsaw juggling is terrifying, DBD might want to avoid doubling up.

• Brock Mason (The Special Forces Guy): Now we're talking. A ruthless, military-trained killer who hunts Frank for most of DR1. He could have a power based on setting traps or tactical positioning.

• TK (The Tycoon): A smooth-talking, psychopathic billionaire from Dead Rising 2. His power could involve manipulating the environment or economy of the trial, like making certain items more expensive in the bloodweb mid-match.

• Carlito Keyes (The Terrorist): The original mastermind behind the outbreak. A more stealth-based, planning-oriented killer could be a fresh take.

My personal vote? Give me Brock Mason with a power called "Search and Destroy" that lets him place motion-sensor drones or call in a temporary area lockdown.

The Map: A Mall or a Casino, Please!

Oh man, the map potential here is S-tier. We could have:

• Willamette Parkview Mall: The iconic, three-story shopping paradise from the first game. Imagine looping the killer around the food court, hiding in the security office, or trying to complete a generator in the creepy, dimly-lit warehouse.

• Fortune City: The massive casino-resort from Dead Rising 2. This map could be absolutely sprawling, with thematic areas like the slot machine floor, the hotel atrium, and the underground maintenance tunnels.

Both locations are inherently chaotic and multi-leveled, which makes for the best DBD maps. Just imagine the visual design – neon signs flickering, abandoned storefronts, and maybe even a few static, non-threatening zombie props for atmosphere.

Why This Makes So Much Sense

Beyond the timing, there's a bigger precedent here: Capcom. Dead by Daylight's relationship with Capcom is already rock-solid. We've had not one, but TWO full Resident Evil chapters, plus extra cosmetics. They've already opened the door. Letting a smaller (but beloved) Capcom IP like Dead Rising step through is a logical next step. It shows Capcom trusts Behaviour with their properties, and it gives DBD access to a different flavor of horror – the chaotic, campy, and darkly humorous kind.

In 2025, the stars have aligned. Dead Rising is back in the public consciousness. Dead by Daylight is always hungry for its next iconic chapter. A crossover would be a spectacular way to celebrate Dead Rising's legacy and introduce its unique brand of zombie mayhem to millions of DBD players. It has all the ingredients: a beloved survivor candidate, terrifying killer options, incredibly detailed map potential, and a corporate relationship that's already proven successful. Honestly, if this doesn't happen, I might just have to start a petition. The Entity's realm needs a mall, and Frank West needs to cover this horror story firsthand. 🧟‍♂️📸