Hellraiser: Revival

The Lament Configuration has been opened once more. Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games have announced Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, the first-ever video game adaptation of the iconic horror franchise. Coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, this single-player survival horror action game promises to deliver a terrifying new chapter in the Hellraiser universe, with Doug Bradley returning to voice Pinhead for the first time in nearly two decades.

A Hell of a Comeback

For fans of the original 1987 film, this announcement carries particular weight. That masterpiece of body horror and psychological terror introduced audiences to the Cenobites and their philosophy that pain and pleasure are indistinguishable. Now, nearly four decades later, Clive Barker himself has guided the development of this new interactive nightmare, ensuring authenticity in every grotesque detail.

Doug Bradley’s return as Pinhead represents a significant coup for the project. His iconic portrayal of the Hell Priest defined the character across multiple films, and his distinctive voice work should provide the gravitas necessary to make this digital incarnation truly menacing.

Beyond the Threshold of Pain

Hellraiser: Revival tells the story of Aidan, whose girlfriend has been dragged into a hellish abyss, forcing him to unlock the dark powers of the Genesis Configuration, a mysterious puzzle box. This premise immediately establishes the franchise’s central themes of desire, consequence, and the thin line between salvation and damnation.

The gameplay combines survival horror with action elements, allowing players to harness the puzzle box’s infernal abilities alongside conventional weapons. This dual approach should create unique combat scenarios where players must literally embrace hell’s power to survive its servants.

The Creator’s Vision Realised

Clive Barker’s direct involvement in the project cannot be overstated. As he explains: “Working on the first true Hellraiser game has been a venture deep into the recesses of my darkest imaginings. They’ve immersed themselves in the Hellraiser universe, capturing its essence, the seductive pull of suffering, the beauty within the grotesque.”

This hands-on approach from the franchise creator suggests Revival will maintain the philosophical complexity that elevated Hellraiser above typical slasher fare. The series has always been about exploring humanity’s darkest desires and the consequences of seeking experiences beyond conventional limits.

Saber’s Horror Pedigree

Saber Interactive brings valuable experience to the project, having worked successfully with horror properties previously. CEO Matthew Karch acknowledges the franchise’s natural fit for interactive media: “Hellraiser is the quintessential horror franchise, and lends itself perfectly to a video game.”

The challenge lies in translating the franchise’s unique blend of body horror, psychological terror, and sadomasochistic imagery into gameplay that feels authentic rather than exploitative.

Collector’s Items for the Devoted

Beyond the standard release, Boss Team Games will offer special Collector Editions featuring an exclusive Hellraiser puzzle box with unique illumination effects inspired by the game, plus a display statue and other officially licensed collectibles. For devoted fans of the franchise, these limited editions promise genuine collectible value.

We Have Such Sights to Show You

Hellraiser: Revival faces the considerable challenge of creating the first worthy video game adaptation of a beloved horror property. However, with Clive Barker’s guidance, Doug Bradley’s return, and Saber Interactive’s horror experience, the pieces appear aligned for something genuinely special.

The game is available to wishlist now across all platforms, and for those of us who first experienced the exquisite terror of the original film, the prospect of stepping into that world ourselves is both thrilling and terrifying.