EA Motive has effectively moved on from Dead Space after the 2023 remake failed to meet sales expectations, shelving plans for both a Dead Space 2 remake and potential Dead Space 4 sequel according to reporting by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier in April 2024. The studio spent a few months after the remake’s launch exploring ideas for a new series entry, considering both a sequel to the remake and a Dead Space 2 remake, but disappointing commercial performance led EA to pull the plug. Motive is now focused on developing an Iron Man game announced in 2022 and supporting the Battlefield series, with significant portions of the team reassigned to those projects. While EA denied reports that Motive was actively working on a Dead Space 2 remake, the careful wording suggested the franchise simply isn’t on the company’s radar anymore rather than outright confirming the series is dead.
What Happened to the Remake
Dead Space remake launched January 27, 2023 to critical acclaim, earning praise for faithful modernization of the 2008 survival horror classic with enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and quality-of-life features that respected the original while making it more accessible. Review aggregators showed overwhelmingly positive reception from critics and players who appreciated Motive’s reverent approach to remaking one of gaming’s best horror experiences. The remake demonstrated that EA Motive understood what made Dead Space special and could translate that vision into a contemporary game without compromising core identity.
Despite critical success, the remake suffered lackluster sales that failed to meet EA’s commercial expectations. Exact sales figures weren’t publicly disclosed, but insider reports suggested the game underperformed relative to EA’s projections and the development budget invested. The disappointment is particularly frustrating because the remake didn’t fail due to quality issues, negative reception, or misunderstanding the source material, it simply didn’t attract enough players to justify continued investment in the franchise. This scenario has haunted Dead Space throughout its history, with Dead Space 3’s disappointing sales leading to Visceral Games’ closure and the series lying dormant for a decade before the remake.
Dead Space 2 Remake Shelved
Journalist Jeff Grubb reported in April 2024 that Motive was working on a Dead Space 2 remake in early concept phases when EA decided to shelve the project due to the first remake’s lackluster sales. The decision came quickly after the remake launched, with EA apparently unwilling to commit additional resources to a franchise that couldn’t meet commercial targets despite critical praise. Dead Space 2 is widely considered the series’ peak, improving on the original’s foundation with better pacing, more varied environments, and refined combat, making the cancelled remake particularly painful for fans hoping to experience that sequel with modern enhancements.
EA’s official statement to IGN claimed there was no validity to reports that Motive was actively working on a Dead Space 2 remake, but the careful wording left room for interpretation. The denial focused on active development rather than acknowledging that concept work had occurred, suggesting EA wanted to shut down speculation without admitting plans existed. The statement also didn’t address the core issue of whether Dead Space remake sales disappointed EA, essentially confirming through omission that commercial performance killed franchise momentum.
Dead Space 4 Explored and Abandoned
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported that after releasing the remake, Motive spent months exploring ideas for a new series entry that would function as a sequel to the remake rather than continuing remakes of Dead Space 2 and 3. This Dead Space 4 concept represented an opportunity to take the franchise in new directions unbound by established canon, potentially addressing criticisms of Dead Space 3’s shift toward action-heavy co-op gameplay. The exploration phase suggests some developers within Motive remained passionate about continuing the franchise creatively rather than just remaking existing games.
However, EA’s lack of enthusiasm for investing further in Dead Space following the remake’s commercial performance meant this Dead Space 4 concept never advanced beyond early exploration. The franchise’s commercial track record made securing budget approval difficult when EA could redirect resources toward safer bets like Battlefield or high-profile licensed properties like Iron Man. Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield claimed in October 2025 that he was making calls about Dead Space 4 and could save EA $40 million, but there’s no indication EA has interest in revisiting the franchise regardless of who pitches it.
Motive’s New Focus
EA Motive is now primarily focused on developing an Iron Man game announced in September 2022 in partnership with Marvel Entertainment. The third-person action-adventure title allows players to feel what it’s like to be Tony Stark, using his intelligence and tools to save the world. The Marvel license brings built-in audience appeal and marketing synergy that Dead Space’s niche horror appeal can’t match, making it a safer commercial bet for EA despite requiring Motive to shift from survival horror expertise to superhero action.
Additionally, Motive is supporting the Battlefield series, forming a dedicated Battlefield team within the studio to assist DICE with the franchise’s troubled development. The Battlefield series has struggled with disastrous launches including Battlefield 2042’s catastrophic reception, prompting EA to mobilize multiple studios to restore the franchise’s reputation. Motive’s involvement suggests EA views Battlefield as strategically critical enough to warrant pulling resources from other projects, including any potential Dead Space continuation. The combination of Iron Man development and Battlefield support leaves little studio capacity for Dead Space even if EA wanted to revisit the franchise.
Why Dead Space Keeps Failing Commercially
Dead Space faces fundamental commercial challenges that transcend individual game quality. Survival horror is a niche genre with passionate fans but limited mainstream appeal compared to shooters, open-world action games, or live-service titles that dominate sales charts. Games like Resident Evil achieve blockbuster success by balancing horror with action and accessibility, while Dead Space commits more fully to slow-paced tension and resource management that alienates casual players seeking immediate gratification. This design philosophy creates critically acclaimed games that struggle to reach the massive audiences EA demands.
The franchise also competes in a crowded horror market where Resident Evil dominates mindshare and indie titles like Amnesia and Outlast offer alternative horror experiences at lower prices. Dead Space’s AAA production values require substantial budgets that can’t be recouped selling 2-3 million copies when EA expects 5+ million to justify continued investment. The remake launching at $70 during an economic downturn when players became more selective about premium purchases further hurt sales prospects. These structural issues mean Dead Space will likely remain dormant until market conditions change or EA drastically lowers commercial expectations.
FAQs
Is EA making a new Dead Space game?
No. EA Motive has moved on from Dead Space after the 2023 remake’s disappointing sales. Plans for Dead Space 2 remake and Dead Space 4 were shelved, with the studio now focused on Iron Man and Battlefield support.
Why was Dead Space 2 remake cancelled?
Jeff Grubb reported in April 2024 that the Dead Space 2 remake was shelved because the first remake had lackluster sales. EA decided not to invest further in the franchise after commercial underperformance despite critical acclaim.
Did Dead Space remake sell poorly?
Yes. While exact figures weren’t disclosed, insider reports indicated the Dead Space remake suffered disappointing sales that failed to meet EA’s commercial expectations, leading to cancellation of franchise plans.
What is EA Motive working on now?
EA Motive is developing an Iron Man game announced in 2022 and supporting the Battlefield series with a dedicated team assisting DICE. These projects have absorbed resources previously dedicated to Dead Space.
Will Dead Space ever come back?
Unlikely in the near future. With EA showing no interest and Motive committed to other projects, Dead Space appears dormant indefinitely unless market conditions dramatically change or EA drastically lowers commercial expectations for the franchise.
What happened to Visceral Games?
Visceral Games, the original Dead Space developer, was shut down by EA in 2017 following years of commercial disappointments including Dead Space 3’s lackluster sales. EA Montreal was rebranded as EA Motive in 2015.
Is Glen Schofield making Dead Space 4?
No. While Glen Schofield claimed in October 2025 he was making calls about Dead Space 4 and could save EA millions, there’s no indication EA has interest in pursuing the franchise regardless of who pitches it.
Conclusion
Dead Space’s commercial struggles represent the fundamental tension between critical acclaim and sales performance that defines many beloved franchises. The 2023 remake proved that EA Motive understands what makes Dead Space special and can faithfully modernize survival horror classics without compromising their identity, yet quality alone couldn’t overcome the franchise’s niche appeal in a market dominated by accessible action games and live-service behemoths. The shelved Dead Space 2 remake and abandoned Dead Space 4 concepts suggest there was creative passion within Motive to continue the series, but EA’s commercial realities killed projects that couldn’t guarantee blockbuster returns. The pivot to Iron Man and Battlefield makes business sense even if it’s creatively disappointing, as Marvel licenses and established shooter franchises offer safer revenue prospects than survival horror cult classics. For Dead Space fans hoping the remake would revive the franchise, the news confirms what many feared: one more failed commercial performance has likely killed the series permanently unless EA drastically changes its expectations or sells the IP to a publisher willing to accept smaller sales for critically acclaimed niche titles. Until then, Dead Space joins the growing list of beloved franchises sacrificed at the altar of unrealistic AAA commercial expectations.