For the first time in the history of the "Hellraiser" franchise, the terrifying and iconic world conceived by horror master Clive Barker is being adapted into a video game. Titled "Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival", the upcoming title is a single-player survival horror action game currently in development by Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games.
The franchise began in 1987 with Barker's groundbreaking film adaptation of his novella "The Hellbound Heart". Known for its surreal, grotesque, and deeply philosophical themes of pain, pleasure, and damnation, Hellraiser has remained a cult classic for nearly four decades. Now, its signature imagery, particularly the infamous Cenobites led by the chilling figure of Pinhead, will be brought to life in an interactive format for the first time.
"Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival" will debut across major gaming platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. It will invite players to navigate a nightmarish landscape rooted in the franchise's mythology, facing psychological terror and visceral horror at every turn.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the return of actor Doug Bradley, who portrayed Pinhead in eight of the original "Hellraiser" films and helped define the character's legacy. This will be the first time Bradley has reprised the role in nearly two decades.
Clive Barker himself is deeply involved in the development of the game, helping to shape its narrative direction and tone. In a statement, Barker expressed enthusiasm about the news, saying:
"Working on the first true Hellraiser game has been a venture deep into the recesses of my darkest imaginings. The dedication that Saber and Boss Team Games have shown is nothing short of remarkable. They've immersed themselves in the Hellraiser universe, capturing its essence‑the seductive pull of suffering, the beauty within the grotesque‑and forged a narrative that invites players to step beyond the threshold. I'm eager for both the curious and the damned to experience this new chapter in the Hellraiser mythos, where every moment balances on the brink of nightmare and revelation."
Fans can expect the game to explore familiar motifs from the Hellraiser universe, such as the mysterious puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration, otherworldly realms ruled by the Cenobites, and themes that blur the line between desire and torment. Gameplay details are still under wraps, but the survival horror genre suggests players will engage in tense, atmospheric exploration and combat, likely with a psychological edge that reflects the series' cerebral horror roots.
Saber Interactive, known for its work on titles like "World War Z", "Evil Dead: The Game", and the "Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine" sequel, is no stranger to adapting beloved franchises into compelling gaming experiences.
"Hellraiser is the quintessential horror franchise, and lends itself perfectly to a video game. Saber has had success with horror IPs in the past, and working alongside Clive to create tense gameplay and a new story that delves into the twisted depths of pain and pleasure has been a real treat. We look forward to opening up the gates of hell," said CEO and co‑founder Matthew Karch.
Boss Team Games, which previously collaborated with Saber on "Evil Dead: The Game", is also bringing their experience with horror properties to the project. The studio's work has been praised for staying true to the spirit of the source material while introducing fresh mechanics and engaging gameplay.
No release date has been announced yet.
Tags: hellraiser, pinhead, clive barker's hellraiser: revival, clive barker, saber interactive, boss team games