View source for Dead Space


{{About|the video game franchise|5=Dead space (disambiguation){{!}}Dead space}}

{{Infobox media franchise
| color = 
| title = Dead Space
| image = Dead Space logo (2023).svg
| image_upright = 
| caption = 
| creator = [[Glen Schofield]]
| origin = ''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]''
| owner = [[Electronic Arts]]
| years = 2008–present
| books = ''The Art of Dead Space''
| novels = ''[[Dead Space: Martyr]]'' (2010)<br />''Dead Space: Catalyst'' (2012)
| short_stories = 
| comics = ''[[Dead Space (comics)|Dead Space]]''<br />''Dead Space: Salvage''<br />'' Dead Space: Extraction''
| graphic_novels = '' [[Dead Space: Liberation]]''
| strips = 
| magazines = 
| films = 
| shorts = 
| tv_series = 
| web_series = 
| animated_series = 
| tv_specials = 
| tv_shorts = 
| tv_films = 
| direct-to-video = ''[[Dead Space: Downfall]]'' (2008)<br />''[[Dead Space: Aftermath]]'' (2011)
| plays = 
| musicals = 
| games = 
| rpgs = 
| video_games = see {{Section link||Main series}}
| radio = 
| soundtracks = see [[Music of the Dead Space series|Music of the ''Dead Space'' series]]
| music = 
| toys = 
| attractions = 
| otherlabel1 = 
| otherdata1 = 
| otherlabel2 = 
| otherdata2 = 
| otherlabel3 = 
| otherdata3 = 
| otherlabel4 = 
| otherdata4 = 
| otherlabel5 = 
| otherdata5 = 
| otherlabel6 = 
| otherdata6 = 
| otherlabel7 = 
| otherdata7 = 
| otherlabel8 = 
| otherdata8 = 
| otherlabel9 = 
| otherdata9 = 
| website = {{URL|https://ea.com/games/dead-space}}
| footnotes = <!--Use {{note}}s or {{note label}}s to go with {{ref}}s and {{ref label}}s in data parameters.-->
| sp = Empty
}}

'''''Dead Space''''' is a [[science fiction]] [[horror fiction|horror]] franchise created by [[Glen Schofield]] and owned by [[Electronic Arts]]. It was developed primarily by [[Visceral Games]]. The franchise's chronology is not presented in a linear format; each installment in the ''Dead Space'' franchise is a continuation or addition to a continuing storyline, with sections of the storyline presented in prequels or sequels, sometimes presented in other media from the originating [[video game]] series, which includes two [[film]]s and several [[comic book]]s and novels.

Primarily set in a [[26th century]] science fiction universe featuring environments, weapons, and characters typical of the genre, the ''Dead Space'' franchise centers on a series of video games beginning with the release of the first ''Dead Space'', which centers on [[starship]] engineer [[Isaac Clarke]] and mutated undead horrors that surround him. A central theme in the games is the fictional [[cult]] [[religion]] "Unitology" and its [[fanatical]] adherents, who believe that information about an alien artifact called the "Marker" is being suppressed by "EarthGov", the central political administration of Earth. Their primary goal is to use the Marker as a means to bring about the "Convergence", or complete [[human extinction|destruction of humanity]], with the Marker and its malevolent influence being the source of the [[Necromorphs|undead monsters]] encountered by the series' protagonists.

The ''Dead Space'' video game series has been positively received; the [[Dead Space (2008 video game)|first game]] in particular won a number of industry awards for the varied elements of its gameplay and development, and is often regarded as [[List of video games considered the best|one of the best video games of all time]] by critics. From a commercial perspective, EA considered the video game series as a whole to have underperformed. After the financial disappointment of 2013's ''[[Dead Space 3]]'', no further media for the franchise were produced until a [[Dead Space (2023 video game)|remake of the first game]] was developed by [[Motive Studio]] and released on January 27, 2023.

==Media==
{{further|List of Dead Space media|l1=List of ''Dead Space'' media}}

===Main series===
{{Timeline of release years
| range1        = 2008
| range1_color  = #84d4c7 #ccc <!-- colors are based on the series' logos -->
| compressempty = yes
| 2008  = '''''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]'''''
| 2009  = ''[[Dead Space: Extraction]]''
| 2010  = ''[[Dead Space Ignition]]''
| 2011a ='''''[[Dead Space 2]]'''''
| 2011b = [[Dead Space (mobile game)|''Dead Space'']] (mobile)
| 2013  = '''''[[Dead Space 3]]'''''
| 2023  = '''''[[Dead Space (2023 video game)|''Dead Space'']]''''' (remake)
}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Overview of ''Dead Space'' video games
|-
!scope="col"  | Year
!scope="col"  | Title
! scope="col" | Developer
!scope="col"  | Platforms
|-
| 2008
| '''''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]'''''{{sup|[a]}}
| [[EA Redwood Shores]]
| [[Xbox 360]],<ref name="1xboxspot">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130110220400/http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 10, 2013 |title=Dead Space for Xbox 360: Release Summary |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref> [[PlayStation 3]],<ref name="1ps3spot">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Dead Space for PlayStation 3: Release Summary |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202154519/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-date=December 2, 2009 }}</ref> [[Microsoft Windows]]<ref name="1pcspot">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130110222715/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/deadspace/similar.html?mode=versions |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 10, 2013 |title=Dead Space for PC: Release Summary |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Dead Space: Extraction]]''{{sup|[b]}}
| rowspan="3"| [[Visceral Games]]
| [[Wii]], [[PlayStation 3]]
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Dead Space Ignition]]''{{sup|[c]}}
| [[Xbox 360]],<ref name="ignea"/> [[PlayStation 3]]<ref name="ignea">{{cite news|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/215760/dead-space-2-prequel-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-and-playstation-network|title=gamepro.com|access-date=2010-07-09|archive-date=2010-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711111422/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/215760/dead-space-2-prequel-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-and-playstation-network/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| '''''[[Dead Space 2]]'''''{{sup|[d]}}
| [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| ''[[Dead Space (mobile game)|Dead Space]]''{{sup|[e]}}
| [[IronMonkey Studios]]
| [[iOS]],<ref name="appstpre">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dead-space/id396018321?mt=8 |title=App Store - Dead Space |publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |access-date=Jan 12, 2012 |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615125216/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dead-space/id396018321?mt=8 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<ref name="andmarket">{{cite web |url=https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ea.deadspace_na&feature=featured-apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDIwMywiY29tLmVhLmRlYWRzcGFjZV9uYSJd |title=Dead Space - Apps on Android Market |access-date=Jan 12, 2012 |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119051043/https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ea.deadspace_na&feature=featured-apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDIwMywiY29tLmVhLmRlYWRzcGFjZV9uYSJd |url-status=live }}</ref> [[BlackBerry PlayBook]], [[BlackBerry 10]]
|-
| 2013
| '''''[[Dead Space 3]]'''''
| Visceral Games
| [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
|-
| 2023
| '''''[[Dead Space (2023 video game)|Dead Space]]'''''{{sup|[f]}}
| [[Motive Studio]]
| [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]]
|-
| colspan="4" style="font-size:88%" |
:'''Notes:'''
:Main entries in the series are given in '''bold'''.
:a – The Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows versions were not released in Asia.<ref name="1xboxspot"/><ref name="1pcspot"/>
:b – Re-released on PlayStation 3 as a bundle with ''[[Dead Space 2]]'', along with [[PlayStation Move]] support.<ref name=e32010>{{cite web|last=McElroy|first=Griffin|title=Dead Space 2 comes with Move-based Extraction on PS3|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/dead-space-2-comes-with-move-based-extraction-on-ps3|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=2010-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619123626/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/dead-space-2-comes-with-move-based-extraction-on-ps3/|archive-date=2010-06-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>
:c – Co-developed with [[Sumo Digital]].
:d – A remaster of ''[[Dead Space: Extraction]]'' was included in the PS3 version of the game.
:e – Removed from all mobile app storefronts.
:f – Remake of the original ''Dead Space''.
|}

====''Dead Space''====
{{main|Dead Space (2008 video game)|l1=''Dead Space'' (2008 video game)}}
Systems engineer Isaac Clarke joins a search and rescue team for the USG ''Ishimura'', which had gone radio-silent, after receiving a message from his girlfriend Nicole. Their [[Spacecraft|ship]] suffers damage when attempting to dock with the ''Ishimura''; while the rest of the crew assess the situation and search for a means to leave the ''Ishimura'', Isaac explores the ship to look for Nicole. The ship is overrun by Necromorphs, forcing Isaac to defend himself by weaponizing his mining tools and "Resource Integration Gear" (RIG) spacesuit capabilities. Due to the Red Marker's influence, Isaac experiences recurring visions of Nicole, who guides him to return the Marker to the planet. Towards the end of the game, it is revealed that one of the rescue team members, Kendra Daniels, is a double agent. She betrays Isaac, but is killed by a large Necromorph creature before she can escape, while Isaac commandeers her ship and escapes Aegis VII after defeating the creature and allowing the Marker to be destroyed by a sabotage attempt he had initiated earlier. The sole survivor of the entire ordeal, Isaac soon hears something behind him and looks back to see a horrific hallucination of Nicole.

====''Dead Space 2''====
{{main|Dead Space 2|l1=''Dead Space 2''}}
''Dead Space 2'' reveals that Isaac has become mentally disturbed and unstable after he destroyed the Red Marker on Aegis VII, and that he was captured by EarthGov and taken to the Sprawl, a massive space-station built into the remains of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Once there, EarthGov scientists extract information from his mind to build another Marker, and he is later confined to a hospital on the Sprawl due to a dementia-like mental illness caused by the first Marker. A Necromorph outbreak in the Sprawl instigated by the Marker copy soon occurs, thrusting Isaac into a struggle to survive the Necromorph epidemic. Haunted by hallucinations of the deceased Nicole Brennan, Isaac manages to destroy the Marker copy and undo its influence on his mind. Isaac succeeds in escaping with another survivor, Ellie Langford, before the explosive destruction of the station, and goes into hiding from EarthGov authorities as his mind still retains information about the Markers.

====''Dead Space 3''====
{{main|Dead Space 3|l1=''Dead Space 3''}}
''Dead Space 3'' occurs a few years later. While Isaac Clarke and Ellie Langford returned to Earth and dated for a while, their relationship fell apart. As he is struggling with the breakup in his apartment on the moon, Unitologists led by Jacob Danik activate a Marker near the colony, causing a Necromorph outbreak. Isaac is rescued and enlisted by EarthGov soldiers to help locate Langford, who had traveled to Tau Volantis, one of Earth's oldest off-world colonies, in search of the true origins of the Markers and a means to stop the Necromorph scourge once and for all.

====''Dead Space'' remake====
{{main|Dead Space (2023 video game)|l1=''Dead Space'' (2023 video game)}}
Rumors of a revival of ''Dead Space'' within EA appeared in early 2021. ''[[Venture Beat]]'' reported in July that this revival was a remake of the first game, in the same vein as the [[Resident Evil 2 (2019 video game)|''Resident Evil 2'' remake]], and would be a relaunch of the franchise. EA confirmed the remake of ''Dead Space'', under development by [[Motive Studio]], in their EA Play event the same month.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/07/01/dead-space-remake-is-in-the-works-at-motive/ | title = Dead Space remake is in the works at Motive | first = Jeff | last = Grubb | date = July 1, 2021 | accessdate = July 1, 2021 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-date = July 2, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210702171740/https://venturebeat.com/2021/07/01/dead-space-remake-is-in-the-works-at-motive/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name=GameSpot>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-space-remake-announced-developed-by-ea-motive/1100-6494273/ | title = Dead Space Remake Announced, Developed By EA Motive | first = Alessandro | last = Fillari | date = July 22, 2021 | accessdate = July 22, 2021 | work = [[GameSpot]] | archive-date = July 22, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210722180149/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-space-remake-announced-developed-by-ea-motive/1100-6494273/ | url-status = live }}</ref> It was released on January 27, 2023.

===Spin-offs===
====''Dead Space: Extraction''====
{{main|Dead Space: Extraction|l1=''Dead Space: Extraction''}}
A prequel to the first ''Dead Space'',  ''Dead Space: Extraction'' follows a group of colonists from the Aegis VII colony who are beset by Necromorphs created when the Red Marker is removed. Originally released as a [[rail shooter]] title for the Nintendo [[Wii]] in 2009, a port with [[PlayStation Move]] support for the PlayStation 3 was later released as a downloadable game on the [[PlayStation Network]] in 2011. It was also bundled with copies of the limited editions of ''Dead Space 2'' for the PlayStation 3.

====''Dead Space Ignition''====
{{main|Dead Space Ignition|l1=''Dead Space Ignition''}}
A prequel to ''Dead Space 2'' released in 2010, ''Dead Space Ignition'' is an [[action game|action]] [[puzzle video game]] which follows Franco Delille, an engineer who witnesses the initial Necromorph outbreak on the Sprawl. The ending of ''Ignition'' directly sets up the opening of ''Dead Space 2'', where Delille is ordered to find and free Isaac Clarke from an EarthGov asylum, only to be killed and transformed into a Necromorph.

====''Dead Space'' (mobile game)====
{{main|Dead Space (mobile game)|l1=''Dead Space'' (mobile game)}}
A 2011 tie-in to ''Dead Space 2'' developed by IronMonkey Studios, ''Dead Space'' was a [[mobile game|mobile title]] about a newly converted Unitologist on a mission in the mines of Titan Station. The game features an appearance from Titan Station's director Hans Tiedemann, a major antagonist of ''Dead Space 2'', and provides context behind the Necromorph infestation of the Sprawl. It has since been removed from all mobile app storefronts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Osborn|first=Alex|date=September 14, 2015|title=EA Removes Dead Space, Flight Control, and More From App Store|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/13/ea-removes-dead-space-flight-control-and-more-from-app-store|access-date=June 23, 2021|website=[[IGN]]|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205535/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/13/ea-removes-dead-space-flight-control-and-more-from-app-store|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Setting ==
The ''Dead Space'' franchise is set in the future, where humanity has been able to colonize other planets.<ref name="Lore"/> By the 23rd century, humanity has used up most of Earth's natural resources, and the world governing body, EarthGov, has fleets of "planet crackers", giant mining spaceships that harvest resources by breaking apart other planets, to gather materials for humanity to sustain itself.<ref name="Lore"/> During the 23rd century, EarthGov researchers find a [[double helix]]-shaped alien artifact in the [[Chicxulub crater]], which they call the Marker. The Marker emits a persistent electromagnetic field from seemingly no source, which researchers believe could be used to provide limitless energy and solve Earth's ecological crisis. Work begins to [[reverse engineer]] the Marker on various research stations across the colonies, but they are forced to use [[bismuth]] instead of an unidentified alien material, resulting in these duplicates being colored red instead of black as the original.

The project was highly classified, but the lead researcher Michael Altman leaks its existence to the world.<ref name="Lore"/> EarthGov assassinates Altman hoping to quell the news, but it is too late: Altman is seen as a [[martyr]], and his belief of what the Marker means for humanity form the basis of a new cult-like religion, Unitology, that rapidly spreads across Earth and the colonies.<ref name="Lore"/> Unitologists believe that by worshipping the Marker, they will discover the true origin and meaning of human life.<ref name="Lore"/> They also believe that the Marker grants eternal life and will help to unify humanity, as to "make us whole", in an event known as the "Convergence".

The EarthGov researchers also discover that the electromagnetic fields sent by the Marker and its duplicates cause living people to suffer paranoia and hallucinations, while also causing the dead to reanimate, becoming "[[Necromorph]]s", biological monstrosities which rise to attack the living. EarthGov immediately terminates the Marker project and abandons all research stations where the work had been done, covering up their locations, knowing as they do that the followers of Unitology would desperately want to seek these Markers out in order to advance their beliefs and bring about Convergence.

In the 26th century, a planet-cracker vessel mining the world of Aegis VII called the ''USG Ishimura'' discovers a Red Marker buried near an abandoned colony.<ref name="Lore"/> The ''Ishimura'' captain, a devout Unitologist, ordered his crew to bring the Marker aboard the ship, which causes the crew to become paranoid, turn on each other, and leads to a Necromorph infestation on board the ''Ishimura''.<ref name="Lore"/> Among the crew of the ''Ishimura'' is a medical officer named Nicole Brennan, who sends a cryptic distress signal to her significant other out of desperation.

== Gameplay ==
The ''Dead Space'' games franchise follow the [[survival horror]] genre, with the [[player character]] visible at all times. All menu interfaces are [[diegetic]], produced by the character's "Resource Integration Gear" spacesuit for ease of communication with other characters.  For instance, the character's [[hit point]] meter, built into the spine of his suit, is intended to allow co-workers to monitor his health, and when the character moves into depressurized areas, a readout on his back displays his remaining seconds of oxygen.  All sound is removed from gameplay during these segments, save those which would be transferred to the character's ears by the vibrations of his RIG, such as rounds fired from his weapon.  Since the menus are diegetic, opening them does not pause gameplay.

The character's RIG can be outfitted with two special abilities for use in combat and puzzle-solving. The "Kinesis" module allows the character to retrieve, levitate and transport objects, often heavier or more distant ones than could be accessed normally.  These objects may also be expelled at high speed for use as improvised projectiles. The "Stasis" module causes its target to undergo an extreme slowdown for a short period of time, allowing characters to dart through rapidly moving obstacles such as fan blades, or hinder onrushing enemies.  The RIG also has a slot-based inventory for carrying weapons, ammunition, healing items, and other objects.

Gunplay is influenced by the franchise's antagonists. Because Necromorphs are re-animated and re-purposed corpses, lacking dependence on nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems, the conventions of [[stopping power]] are largely irrelevant to them.  Thus, instead of targeting foes' heads or center of mass, players are encouraged to engage in "strategic dismemberment" by shooting off their arms and legs.  Some Necromorphs can be easily defeated in this manner, but others may change attack patterns or even spawn entirely new enemies when slain.  Relatedly, the game's weapons are characterized as being repurposed power tools<ref name="popmatters.com">{{Cite web|url = http://www.popmatters.com/post/136940-isaac-clarke-intergalactic-handyman/|title = Isaac Clarke: Intergalactic Handyman, PopMatters|date = 9 February 2011|access-date = 12 March 2017|archive-date = 12 March 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170312200739/http://www.popmatters.com/post/136940-isaac-clarke-intergalactic-handyman/|url-status = live}}</ref> or mining implements, such as plasma cutters, rotary saws, and gravitic repulsion tools, though an increasing amount of dedicated military ordnance becomes available as the franchise progresses. Ammunition tends to be uncommon, thus necessitating careful usage of the tools at hand.

In the first two games, RIGs and weapons can be upgraded at bench workstations. Players can also visit vending machines to buy or sell items for in-game currency, and upload new schematics to those stores in order to unlock new items. This was changed in the third installment, where the store was scrapped entirely; new "Suit Kiosks" allow the player to upgrade their RIG, and bench functionality was expanded to allow players to craft their own weapons, often by cobbling together parts and resources scavenged through gameplay.

Each type of Necromorph has a unique way of slaying the player character, customized to whatever claws, blades, fangs, or probosces they happen to possess.

=== Plasma Cutter ===
The Plasma Cutter is a fictional energy weapon from the ''Dead Space'' franchise. It is used by the protagonist, engineer [[Isaac Clarke]], to fight the [[undead]] creatures known as [[Necromorphs]]. An [[Machine tool|industrial tool]] repurposed into a [[pistol]]-like weapon, it is able to fire energy beams in a precise horizontal or vertical line by changing its shape, making it uniquely useful against the Necromorphs, who are highly resistant to conventional weaponry and vulnerable to having their limbs severed. While the first weapon the player receives, it is nonetheless powerfully effective throughout the games, and the One Gun [[Achievement (video games)|achievement]] requires the player to beat ''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]'' and its [[Dead Space (2023 video game)|remake]] using solely the Plasma Cutter. Unlike the other guns in the remake, the Plasma Cutter was purposely kept as similar as possible. The Plasma Cutter's design and function have been praised by critics, and it is regarded as one of the most iconic video game weapons of all time.

The gun is first found in the original ''Dead Space'', held by a dead engineer alongside bloody text urging Isaac to cut off the Necromorphs' limbs. This is later reinforced by an audio log saying as much. The Cutter next appears in ''[[Dead Space 2]]'', where one is jury-rigged together by Isaac using a medical laser. It returns in ''[[Dead Space 3]]'', albeit with weakened power.<ref name="Edge-2013">{{Cite magazine |date=July 2013 |title=Things: Plasma Cutter |url=https://archive.org/details/Edge_Gaming/Edge%20Gaming%20Magazine%20255/page/132/mode/2up?q=%22plasma+cutter%22+dead+space |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |pages=132–133 |via=[[Internet Archive]] |issue=255}}</ref> Carrying over a save file from ''Dead Space'' unlocks the Plasma Cutter for immediate use in ''Dead Space 2''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yoon |first=Andrew |date=2011-01-01 |title=Dead Space save file unlocks original plasma cutter in Dead Space 2 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-01-01-dead-space-save-file-unlocks-original-plasma-cutter-in-dead-spac.html |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref>

The developers of the ''Dead Space'' remake, [[EA Motive]], believed that while the game was reprogrammed from the ground up, the Plasma Cutter should be kept as similar as possible in appearance and behavior to the original, citing its iconic and memorable nature. However, they added numerous visual details reflecting a more realistic operation of the weapon if it was an actual tool. An upgrade system was added, similar to that of ''[[Dead Space 2]]'', so that the game's guns, including the Plasma Cutter, would visually change as modifications were added to improve its performance.<ref name="Purslow-2022">{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=2022-12-09 |title=Dead Space: Rebuilding the Iconic Plasma Cutter - IGN First |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dead-space-rebuilding-the-iconic-plasma-cutter-ign-first |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

==== Reception ====
Heather Alexandra of ''[[Kotaku]]'' described the Plasma Cutter as representative of Isaac Clarke's status as "just a ship engineer in a bad situation". Calling it "surprisingly strong for a default weapon" and "incredibly suited to cutting off limbs", she compares it to ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'', in which pistols lose their effectiveness later in the game, requiring protagonist [[Leon S. Kennedy|Leon Kennedy]] to amass a "huge arsenal", while the Plasma Cutter never loses its effectiveness regardless of what new Necromorph is introduced. She went on to praise the weapon's sound design, saying that "its booming report makes every attack feel meaningful". Describing it as "an improvised weapon", she states that, similar to how the [[Gravity Gun]] from ''[[Half-Life 2]]'' demonstrates [[Gordon Freeman]]'s scientific skills, the Plasma Cutter's ability to change shape reflects Isaac's ability to adjust to each new complication, and his status as "misplaced but dangerous".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexandra |first=Heather |date=2018-10-13 |title=What Makes Dead Space's Plasma Cutter Such A Great Weapon |url=https://kotaku.com/what-makes-dead-spaces-plasma-cutter-such-a-great-weapo-1820081433 |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Kotaku |language=en-US}}</ref>

''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' magazine called the Plasma Cutter a "[[signature weapon]]", saying that its industrial nature is representative of the game's depiction of "the big black as a blue-collar frontier", similar to ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]''. Describing it as "the deep-space equivalent of the hastily snatched kitchen knife", the publication calls combat with the gun "marked by deliberation over angles of incision, and also by a search for efficiency", with the player seeking to kill enemies with as few shots as possible, especially on higher difficulty settings where ammunition is scarce. The magazine called it even more useful thanks to the ability to upgrade it using the Bench, saying that beating the game solely with the Plasma Cutter for the One Gun achievement had "a purity [...] that echoes ''Dead Space''<nowiki/>'s wider style and sense of purpose". They criticized ''Dead Space 3'' for making the Plasma Cutter less effective and forcing the player to use a larger assortment of conventional weapons, saying the game was "poorer for it".<ref name="Edge-2013" />

Carlos Zotomayor of ''[[Game Rant]]'' stated that the gun was "interwoven" with the game's DNA, calling on the remake to preserve what made it iconic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zotomayor |first=Carlos |date=2022-03-14 |title=Dead Space Remake Needs to Maintain What Made The Plasma Cutter Iconic |url=https://gamerant.com/dead-space-ea-remake-plasma-cutter-gameplay-atmosphere-important/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Petra Jarrett of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' praised the ''Dead Space'' remake for preserving the functionality of the Plasma Cutter,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarrett |first=Petra |date=2022-10-18 |title=The Dead Space Remake Preserves Its Most Important Feature |url=https://screenrant.com/dead-space-remake-plasma-cutter-weapon/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> while Padraig Cotter of the same publication described it as "gaming's most underrated handgun".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cotter |first=Padraig |date=2020-05-12 |title=Dead Space 2's Plasma Cutter Is Gaming's Most Underrated Handgun |url=https://screenrant.com/dead-space-2-game-plasma-cutter-underrated-handgun/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> Matt Purslow of ''[[IGN]]'' commented that "it's rare a pistol gets to be the star of the show in a video game", but said that was the case with ''Dead Space''.<ref name="Purslow-2022" /> A fan [[modded]] the Plasma Cutter, including its ability to change firing modes, into ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]'', intended for use with a separate mod that allows enemies to be dismembered while they are still alive.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horti |first=Samuel |date=2018-05-13 |title=Mod brings Dead Space's plasma cutter to Fallout: New Vegas |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mod-brings-dead-spaces-plasma-cutter-to-fallout-4/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref>

== Development ==
[[File:Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey at the Sledgehammer Games headquarter -- 21 October 2009.jpg|thumb|[[Glen Schofield]] and [[Michael Condrey]] were the respective executive producer and co-director of ''Dead Space''.]]

[[Visceral Games|Electronic Arts (EA) Redwood Shores]] had developed a number of movie and tie-in games, though they desired to make their own [[intellectual property]]. Around 2005, the studio presented the idea of making a second sequel to ''[[System Shock]]'' to EA executives but had not gotten much support until the release of ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' in 2005, which quickly became a top-selling title. That success led them to revise their ''System Shock'' concept, making it more a horror-driven game set in space, and which EA was more open to as to try to capture a similar type of success. The aim was to create, in Glen Schofield's words, "the most terrifying game we could acquire". The subsequent game became ''[[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]'', released in 2008.<ref name="pcgamer re4">{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/ | title = How Resident Evil 4 turned System Shock 3 into Dead Space | first = Mat | last = Paget | date = January 15, 2017 | access-date = October 20, 2017 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = January 18, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170118193608/http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/ | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Dead Space'' did well, leading EA to rebrand Redwood Shores as [[Visceral Games]] in 2009 and operate as a "genre" studio.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/a-distinct-vision-nick-earl-and-visceral-games | title = A Distinct Vision: Nick Earl And Visceral Games | first = Christopher | last = Nutt | date = February 10, 2010 | access-date = October 20, 2017 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = February 24, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100224055454/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4285/a_distinct_vision_nick_earl_and_.php | url-status = live }}</ref>

During the development for ''Dead Space'', EA Redwood Shores (now [[Visceral Games]]) gave Isaac a [[portmanteau]] name from the [[science fiction]] writers [[Isaac Asimov]] and [[Arthur C. Clarke]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1784/Dead-Space/p1/ |title=Dead Space First Look Preview (Xbox 360) |last=Eddy |first=Andy |date=2007-10-09 |work=Team Xbox |access-date=2008-10-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924144853/http://previews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1784/Dead-Space/p1/ |archive-date=2008-09-24 }}</ref> During development for ''Dead Space 2'', Visceral Games decided to give Isaac a voice and chose [[Gunner Wright]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/arts/video-games/02dead.html?_r=1&|title=Dead Space 2 Revives Isaac Clarke - Review|last=Schiesel|first=Seth|date=1 February 2011|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628205653/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/arts/video-games/02dead.html?_r=1&|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=- By pklepek |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/703590/the-reason-dead-space-2s-once-muted-isaac-clarke-suddenly-has-a-voice/ |title=The Reason Dead Space 2's Once Muted Isaac Clarke Suddenly Has A Voice |publisher=G4tv.com |date=2010-03-31 |access-date=2013-06-05 |archive-date=2013-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112160836/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/703590/the-reason-dead-space-2s-once-muted-isaac-clarke-suddenly-has-a-voice/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mendingthewall.com/2011/02/14/the-two-voices-of-isaac-clarke/ |title=:: The Two Voices of Isaac Clarke |publisher=Mending The Wall |date=2011-02-14 |access-date=2013-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014141253/http://mendingthewall.com/2011/02/14/the-two-voices-of-isaac-clarke/ |archive-date=2013-10-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Visceral Games]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L377hWv5Jf8  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/L377hWv5Jf8 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Evolution of Story |work=[[YouTube]] | date=7 March 2011 |access-date=2013-06-07}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 August 2012|title=Dead Space 3 &#124; Weapon Crafting Gameplay|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-ZJuCqQSU0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/x-ZJuCqQSU0 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|work=[[YouTube]]|publisher=[[Electronic Arts]]|access-date=3 December 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> As Wright's performance was motion captured, this influenced Clarke's appearance and movement in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rebgaming.com/gunner-wright-aka-isaac-clark-dead-space-interview/ |title=Gunner Wright AKA Isaac Clarke 'Dead Space' Interview - |access-date=2014-12-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610205223/http://www.rebgaming.com/gunner-wright-aka-isaac-clark-dead-space-interview/ |archive-date=2017-06-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The concept behind the fictional religion of Unitology, which has its own [[scripture]] of some kind, is supposed to represent people's illogical thinking about things they don't understand, such as the Marker and the Necromorphs. While it is not meant as a criticism of religion itself, it draws on the falsehoods and corruption that may be hidden inside one.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/20/how-to-create-an-entire-religion How to create an entire religion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121011057/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/20/how-to-create-an-entire-religion |date=2013-01-21 }}, ''IGN''</ref> In response to comparisons which have been made by commentators between the fictional Unitology and the real-world [[Scientology]], the developers have stated that they simply meant to portray Unitology as a secretive cult, with the name similarity causing unfortunate implications.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuchera |first1=Ben |title=L. Ron Altman: Why Dead Space 2 is a direct attack on Scientology |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/02/l-ron-altman-why-dead-space-2-is-a-direct-attack-on-scientology/ |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=4 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203063500/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/02/l-ron-altman-why-dead-space-2-is-a-direct-attack-on-scientology/ |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Frushtick |first1=Russ |title='Dead Space 2' Creative Director on the Unitology vs. Scientology debate |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2462602/dead-space-2-creative-director-on-the-unitology-vs-scientology-debate/ |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=[[MTV]] |date=2011-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022084817/http://www.mtv.com/news/2462602/dead-space-2-creative-director-on-the-unitology-vs-scientology-debate/ |archive-date=2016-10-22 |language=en}}</ref>

While Visceral tried to recreate a similar experience with ''[[Dante's Inferno (video game)|Dante's Inferno]]'', the title did not perform as well, and EA instead had Visceral return to make the sequel ''[[Dead Space 2]]'', released in 2011.<ref name="usgamer history">{{cite web | url = http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-rise-and-fall-of-visceral-games | title = The Rise and Fall of Visceral Games | first = Caty | last = McCarthy | date = October 19, 2017 | access-date = October 20, 2017 | work = [[US Gamer]] | archive-date = October 21, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003819/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-rise-and-fall-of-visceral-games | url-status = dead }}</ref> While it was critically well-received, the title was said to have not performed well financially due to a large development budget.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/former-visceral-designer-says-dead-space-2-cost-60-million-and-underperformed/ | title = Former Visceral designer says Dead Space 2 cost $60 million and 'underperformed' | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = October 18, 2017 | access-date = October 20, 2017 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-date = October 19, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171019191426/http://www.pcgamer.com/former-visceral-designer-says-dead-space-2-cost-60-million-and-underperformed/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="usgamer history"/> EA had Visceral continue to make ''[[Dead Space 3]]'', but asked the studio to make key changes to draw more people to the title, such as adding co-op and introducing gameplay elements to help make the title faster, an aspect in direct conflict with the slow pacing of survival-horror games.

Visceral had planned out ideas for a fourth ''Dead Space'' game, but at that point, EA transitioned the studio to work on other existing projects, shelving the series after the developer's closure in October 2017.<ref name="usgamer history"/> According to former creative director Ben Wanat, their idea of ''Dead Space 4'' was based on concepts from the flotilla section in ''Dead Space 3'', where the player would need to go between the remnants of dead starships to collect parts needed to allow their own craft to survive and gain faster-than-light travel abilities in order to get to a new system. The game would have been a hybrid between non-linear and linear storytelling: while the order of star systems the player visited would have been set by the game, how they proceeded within each system would have been more open. They had considered switching from Isaac to Ellie Langford as the protagonist for the proposed sequel.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-13-visceral-had-some-cool-ideas-for-dead-space-4 | title = Visceral had some cool ideas for Dead Space 4 | first = Connor | last = Makar | date = July 13, 2018 | access-date = July 13, 2018 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = July 13, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180713122730/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-13-visceral-had-some-cool-ideas-for-dead-space-4 | url-status = live }}</ref>

In July 2021, EA announced that a remake of the first game with its proprietary [[Frostbite Engine]] was under development by [[Motive Studio]].<ref name="GameSpot"/>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of the Dead Space series}}

[[Jason Graves]] was the main composer of the music for all mainline entries in the series and the majority of spin-off titles. Other composers have been involved in the series; Grave's recurring collaborator Rod Abernethy acted as an early advisor for the titular first game, James Hannigan co-composed the score for ''Dead Space 3'', while Seth Podowitz and Christopher Tin were the respective composers for the movies ''Dead Space: Downfall'' and ''Dead Space: Aftermath''.

==Major characters==
===Isaac Clarke===
{{Main|Isaac Clarke}}

Isaac Clarke is the lead character of the ''Dead Space'' main series video games. Originally a ship system [[engineer]], his life changes for the worse when a [[USG Ishimura|seemingly-routine repair mission]] becomes a struggle to survive the Necromorph scourge. He originally volunteered the mission to make contact with his girlfriend, who is stationed on the ''USG Ishimura''. Clarke is a [[silent protagonist]] in the first game, and is voiced by [[Gunner Wright]] in the sequels and the first game's remake.<ref name="popmatters.com"/>

===Nicole Brennan===
Nicole is a medical officer aboard the USG ''Ishimura'' and Isaac's girlfriend.  She appears at Isaac's side at times of struggle, but later logs reveal that she committed suicide long before Isaac arrived; her appearances have actually been hallucinations created by the Markers with the intent of manipulating Isaac into furthering their agenda. She appears in a similar guise over the course of the second game, serving as a sympathetic antagonist. She is voiced by [[Iyari Limon]] in the first game and Tanya Clarke in the second.

===Nolan Stross===
Nolan Stross appears in ''Dead Space 2'' and is one of the protagonists in the animated feature ''[[Dead Space: Aftermath]]''. Stross was once a high-ranking scientist but suffered from dementia after coming into contact with the Red Marker, and was placed in a psychiatric ward of a hospital on Titan Station. While he and Isaac Clarke attempt to band together to destroy the Marker causing the events of the second game, his madness gets the better of him, and Isaac is forced to kill him. He is voiced by Curt Cornelius. Like Isaac Clarke, the character is named after two science fiction authors, in this case, [[William F. Nolan]] and [[Charles Stross]].

===Ellie Langford===
Ellie is a major [[non-player character]] in ''Dead Space 2'' and ''Dead Space 3''.  In the first sequel, she and Isaac work together to escape the Titan Sprawl, and between the two games, they begin a romance.  However, by the time of the second sequel, they have separated, partially because Isaac is hesitant to wager his life stopping the Markers. Ellie, with the help of Earth Defense Force Captain Robert Norton, discovers evidence that the planet Tau Volantis is the Marker homeworld; she sends Norton to recruit Isaac, kicking off the events of the third game. She is voiced by and modeled after actress Sonita Henry.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mulrooney |first=Marty |date=April 26, 2011 |url=https://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2011/04/26/interview-in-conversation-with-sonita-henry-ellie-langford-dead-space-2/ |title=Interview – In Conversation With Sonita Henry (Ellie Langford, Dead Space 2) |work=Alternative Magazine Online |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-date=April 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429182930/https://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2011/04/26/interview-in-conversation-with-sonita-henry-ellie-langford-dead-space-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===John Carver===
Sgt. John Carver is a character in ''Dead Space 3'', and the protagonist of the tie-in graphic novel ''Dead Space: Liberation''. The graphic novel depicts his past as a loyal EarthGov soldier with troubled home life.  Damara and Dylan, his wife and son, are killed by ''Dead Space 3'' antagonist Jacob Danik, and Carver joins forces with Ellie Langford to prevent Danik from triggering Convergence.  He is voiced by and modeled after [[Ricardo Chavira]].

Under normal circumstances, Carver is a [[non-player character]], dispensing advice and guidance to Isaac but not assisting in gameplay. However, ''Dead Space 3'' features "drop-in drop-out" co-operative multiplayer: the game's single-player campaign can at any time become a co-operative experience if a second player joins via Xbox Live or other networking services. If a second player does join, Carver is that player's in-game character; as such, he is seamlessly written in and out of the campaign at any time to facilitate the presence (or absence) of said other player. Additionally, if a second player is present, side missions become available that deal with Carver's guilt concerning the way he treated his family, as well as over their deaths.

==Adaptations==
{{Main|List of Dead Space media}}

The ''Dead Space'' franchise includes various types of adaptations and merchandise outside of the video games.  EA's multimedia efforts to market the franchise includes novels, comic books, animated films, and other licensed products like action figures of series protagonist Isaac Clarke.<ref name=Episode4>{{cite web|publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9TwTvss-DU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/q9TwTvss-DU |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Questions with Gunner Episode 4|website=[[YouTube]] |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Deluxe">{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/deluxe-light-up-dead-space-3isaac-clarke-figure-1603344325|title=Deluxe, Light-Up Dead Space 3 Isaac Clarke Figure|date=July 10, 2014|last=Struan|first=John|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203216/https://kotaku.com/deluxe-light-up-dead-space-3isaac-clarke-figure-1603344325|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kotobukiya">{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/dead-space-3s-isaac-clarke-stands-12-5-inches-tall-5969260|title=Dead Space 3's Isaac Clarke Stands 12.5 Inches Tall|date=December 18, 2011|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203148/https://kotaku.com/dead-space-3s-isaac-clarke-stands-12-5-inches-tall-5969260|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Print media===
====Comic books====
The ''Dead Space'' franchise has been adapted into literary format, beginning with a [[Dead Space (comics)|comic book miniseries]] which serve as a prequel to both the first ''Dead Space'' game and the ''[[Dead Space: Downfall]]'' film. It was written by [[Antony Johnston]], illustrated by Ben Templesmith and published by [[Image Comics]] between March and August 2008.

Other published literary works from the franchise include the 2010 comic book ''Dead Space: Salvage'' by [[Antony Johnston]], and follows a band of ill-fated scavengers known as the Magpies who discover the seemingly abandoned mining ship ''USG Ishimura'' following the events of the first game.

====Novels====
''[[Dead Space: Martyr]]'' by [[Brian Evenson|B. K. Evenson]] is a 2010 novel which explores the origins of Unitology as well as the initial discovery of the original Black Marker by humanity. Set roughly 200 years before the events of the video game series, ''Martyr'' tells the story of geophysicist Michael Altman, who discovers a mysterious signal within the Chicxulub crater and after secretly obtaining a piece of the Marker, leaks it to the public and spreads the visions he received from it.

The second novel by Everson, the 2012 ''Dead Space: Catalyst'', is set two hundred and fifty years after the events of ''Martyr'', where EarthGov decides to tamper with dangerous technology from the Black Marker in the hopes of saving humanity from an energy and resource crisis.

===Film===
====''Dead Space: Downfall''====
{{Main|Dead Space: Downfall}}
 
''Dead Space: Downfall'' is a 2008 animated film prequel to the first game which takes place after the limited comic series of the same name was released direct-to-video in October 2009, before seeing a television showing on Starz Encore the following month. It details the events leading to the Necromorph infestation on the ''USG Ishimura'' following the transportation of the Red Marker from the Aegis VII Colony to the ship.

====''Dead Space: Aftermath''====
{{Main|Dead Space: Aftermath}}
 
''Dead Space: Aftermath'' is the 2011 animated film sequel to ''Downfall'' and the first game. EarthGov exposes an unsuspecting crew of individuals to the remaining shards of the destroyed Marker and is depicted as attempting to produce a viable "Marker blueprint" carrier, by any means necessary.

====Potential film adaptation====
In 2013, filmmaker [[John Carpenter]] stated he was interested in making a ''Dead Space'' film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Karmali|first=Luke|title=John Carpenter Wants to Make a Dead Space Film|date=9 May 2013|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/09/john-carpenter-wants-to-make-a-dead-space-film|publisher=IGN|access-date=27 July 2013|archive-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223123026/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/09/john-carpenter-wants-to-make-a-dead-space-film|url-status=live}}</ref> EA also spoke of their plans in the same year to create a potential film series for the franchise.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Graser|first=Marc|title='Dead Space' Movie Alive and Kicking at Electronic Arts|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/dead-space-movie-alive-and-kicking-at-electronic-arts-1200565099/|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130023117/https://variety.com/2013/film/news/dead-space-movie-alive-and-kicking-at-electronic-arts-1200565099/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, Carpenter remarked how a film was in development, albeit with a different director than him.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Earl |first=William |date=2023-01-11 |title=At 75, Legendary Director John Carpenter Isn't Done Raising Hell in Hollywood |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/features/john-carpenter-career-interview-director-halloween-the-thing-1235485167/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |magazine=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428002957/https://variety.com/2023/film/features/john-carpenter-career-interview-director-halloween-the-thing-1235485167/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
|updated = January 27, 2023
|gr = no
|game1 = [[Dead Space (2008 video game)|Dead Space]]
|mc1 = (PC) 86/100<ref name="MC360"/><br />(PS3) 88/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Dead Space (PlayStation 3)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818014425/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space|archive-date=August 18, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(X360) 89/100<ref name="MC360">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Dead Space (Xbox 360)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926120840/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-space|archive-date=September 26, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game2 = [[Dead Space: Extraction]]
|mc2 = (Wii) 82/100<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|title=Dead Space: Extraction Wii|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-extraction/critic-reviews/?platform=wii|access-date=2021-06-23|archive-date=2021-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419130739/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/dead-space-extraction|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PS3) 79/100<ref>{{cite web|title=Dead Space: Extraction Playstation 3|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-extraction/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=2021-06-23|archive-date=2020-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514063632/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space-extraction|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game3 = [[Dead Space Ignition]]
|mc3 = (PS3) 36/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-ignition/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Dead Space Ignition for PlayStation 3|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302133615/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space-ignition|archive-date=March 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(X360) 35/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-ignition/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Dead Space Ignition for Xbox 360|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127061802/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-space-ignition|archive-date=November 27, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game4 = [[Dead Space 2]]
|mc4 = (X360) 90/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360|title=Dead Space 2 (X360)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 25, 2011|archive-date=April 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419110204/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-space-2|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PS3) 89/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3|title=Dead Space 2 (PS3)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 25, 2011|archive-date=April 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416081855/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space-2|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PC) 87/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Dead Space 2 (PC)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=January 25, 2011|archive-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415163922/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dead-space-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
|game5 =  [[Dead Space (mobile game)|Dead Space]]
|mc5 = (iOS) 88/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Dead Space for iPhone/iPad Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 18, 2013 |archive-date=April 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429220804/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/dead-space |url-status=live }}</ref> 
|game6 =  [[Dead Space 3]]
|mc6 = (X360) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Dead Space 3 for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2013-02-16 |archive-date=2021-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113030130/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-space-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-3/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dead Space 3 for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2013-02-16 |archive-date=2021-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023053427/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dead-space-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS3) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Dead Space 3 for PlayStation 3 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2013-02-16 |archive-date=2021-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009172909/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/dead-space-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|game7=[[Dead Space (2023 video game)|Dead Space (remake)]]|mc7=(PC) 87/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Dead Space for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129073755/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dead-space |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 89/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Dead Space for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202221344/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/dead-space |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XSXS) 89/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dead-space/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Dead Space for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131061535/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/dead-space |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

The main series ''Dead Space'' games have been critically acclaimed. The first ''Dead Space'' in particular is often considered to be one of the [[greatest video games of all time]], with its innovations in the survival horror genre highlighted.<ref name="GI2018"/><ref name="Edge2017"/><ref name="Time"/><ref name="Slant"/><ref name="GamesRadar"/><ref name="Polygon"/> In an article on the series from 2018, ''Game Informer'' said the title stood out for its unique gameplay gimmicks and atmosphere compared to other video games of the time.<ref name="GIretro"/> Magazine ''[[Play (UK magazine)|Play]]'', in a 2015 feature on the game's production, said that ''Dead Space'' distinguished itself by incorporating more action elements into established genre elements, and positively compared its atmosphere to ''[[BioShock]]'' from 2007 and ''[[Metro: Last Light]]'' from 2013.<ref name="PlayMaking"/> In a 2014 article concerning the series' later developments, ''[[Kotaku]]'' cited it as "one of the best horror games of the seventh generation of consoles".<ref name="Kotaku"/>

At release, ''Dead Space'' reached tenth place in North American game sales, compiled in November by the [[NPD Group]]. Recording sales of 193,000 units, it was the only new property from EA to enter the top ten rankings.<ref name="DeadNPD"/><ref name="DeadChart"/> In early analysis, low sales of the title were attributed to strong market competition at the time, though sales improved over time due to positive critical reception.<ref name="DeadAnalysis"/> By December 2008, the game had sold 421,000 units across all platforms, but was still considered a commercial disappointment when taking into account its extensive marketing costs. Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello revealed that the company would have to lower its expected income for that fiscal year due to multiple commercial disappointments like ''Dead Space''.<ref name="DeadNumbers"/> In February 2009, Electronic Arts CFO Eric Brown confirmed that all versions of ''Dead Space'' had sold one million copies worldwide.<ref name="DeadMillion"/>

''Dead Space 2'' has also received near-universal acclaim across all release platforms, with some reviewers comparing the game's relationship with its predecessor to [[James Cameron]]'s ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'' and its predecessor [[Ridley Scott]]'s ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3183117|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717054720/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3183117|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-17|title=1UP.com Dead Space 2 Review}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dead-space-2-review-10/2/|title=Dead Space 2 Review|author=Gilbert, Henry|page=2|date=January 26, 2011|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202218/https://www.gamesradar.com/dead-space-2-review-10/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> While Electronic Arts reported seemingly strong sales figures for ''Dead Space 2'' when it shipped nearly 2 million units in the first week of its release,<ref>{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6297125.html |title=Dead Space 2 ships nearly 2 million units&nbsp;– News at GameSpot |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=February 1, 2011 |access-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-date=February 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205042432/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6297125.html |url-status=live }}</ref> these were considered financially disappointing.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-space-2-dev-says-game-cost-60m-to-make-and-so/1100-6454150/ | title=Dead Space 2 Dev Says Game Cost $60M To Make And Sold Millions, But Failed Commercially | access-date=2018-08-18 | archive-date=2017-10-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018065506/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-space-2-dev-says-game-cost-60m-to-make-and-so/1100-6454150/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

''Dead Space 3'' received a less enthusiastic critical reception compared to its predecessors, though reviews are generally favorable.<ref name="usgamer history"/> It sold 605,000 copies in North America during its debut month.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/dead-space-3-crysis-3-sales-fell-short-according-to-ea/|title=Dead Space 3, Crysis 3 Sales Fell Short, According to EA|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|first=Chris|last=Holzworth|date=9 May 2013|access-date=2 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716095626/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/dead-space-3-crysis-3-sales-fell-short-according-to-ea/|archive-date=16 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In both the United States and the United Kingdom, ''Dead Space 3'' was the top-selling game in February 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/03/14/february-npd-dead-space-3-takes-top-spot-crysis-3-cant-outpace-call-of-duty/|title=February NPD: Dead Space 3 takes top spot — Crysis 3 can't outpace Call of Duty|work=VentureBeat |date=March 14, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316003929/https://venturebeat.com/2013/03/14/february-npd-dead-space-3-takes-top-spot-crysis-3-cant-outpace-call-of-duty/|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of this, the title failed to meet the company's sales expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/ea-crysis-3-and-dead-space-3-did-not-meet-expectations-6408060|title=EA: Crysis 3 and Dead Space 3 did not meet expectations|publisher=GameSpot|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=July 2, 2013|archive-date=May 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510181003/http://www.gamespot.com/news/ea-crysis-3-and-dead-space-3-did-not-meet-expectations-6408060|url-status=live}}</ref>

A fourth main series title was canceled as a result of the third entry's disappointing sales.<ref name="DS3disappointment">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/dead_space_3/news/dead_space_4_canned_series_in_trouble_following_poor_sales_of_dead_space_3.html |title=Dead Space 4 canned, series in trouble following poor sales of Dead Space 3|publisher=VideoGamer.com|date=March 4, 2013 |access-date=March 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602044244/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/dead_space_3/news/dead_space_4_canned_series_in_trouble_following_poor_sales_of_dead_space_3.html|archive-date=June 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> With the closure of Visceral Games in 2017, the franchise was left without a managing developer.<ref name="DS4">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-13-visceral-had-some-cool-ideas-for-dead-space-4 | title = Visceral had some cool ideas for Dead Space 4 | first = Connor | last = Makar | date = July 13, 2018 | access-date = July 13, 2018 | website= [[Eurogamer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713122730/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-07-13-visceral-had-some-cool-ideas-for-dead-space-4|archive-date=July 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview on the ''Here's Johnny'' podcast, ''Dead Space'' producer Chuck Beaver stated: "''Dead Space 4'' would have been about Isaac being a unreliable narrator having the player not know what was true or not". He went on to say "it would have been about Isaac either remaining the Herald for the Necromorphs or saving earth".<ref>[https://heresjohnny.libsyn.com/the-dead-space-interview-0 "The Dead Space interview"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115214105/https://heresjohnny.libsyn.com/the-dead-space-interview-0 |date=2021-11-15 }}. ''Here's Johnny''. November 15, 2021. (Interview with Chuck Beaver, Ben Swanson and Nick Braccia about the Dead space series.)</ref>

The franchise's spin-off titles, ''[[Dead Space: Extraction]]'' and the 2011 mobile game ''[[Dead Space (mobile game)|Dead Space]]'', received generally positive reviews from critics, whereas reception towards ''[[Dead Space Ignition]]'' was generally unfavorable.

==See also==
*''[[Event Horizon (film)|Event Horizon]]'', a 1997 science fiction horror film cited as a major inspiration for the series
*''[[Resident Evil]]'', a survival horror video game series by Capcom
*''[[Silent Hill]]'', a survival horror video game series by Konami
*''[[The Callisto Protocol]]'', a similar survival horror game directed by [[Glen Schofield]].
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9rjpTZN_Aw ''Dead Space Creator Glen Schofield: Extended Interview | Ars Technica'']

==References==
{{Reflist|3|refs=
<ref name="Lore">{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/08/features-staring-into-the-void-the-lore-of-dead-space.aspx|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|title=Staring Into The Void: The Lore of Dead Space|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=June 25, 2021|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711130213/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/08/features-staring-into-the-void-the-lore-of-dead-space.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GI2018">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|title=The Top 300 Games of All Time|date=April 2018|issue=300}}</ref>
<ref name="Edge2017">{{cite magazine|title=Edge Presents: The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|date=August 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|title=All-Time 100 Video Games|url=https://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=November 15, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307075016/http://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/|archive-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="Slant">{{cite web|title=The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/p10%20100%20greatest%20video%20games%20of%20all%20time|website=[[Slant Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712044110/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-video-games-of-all-time/P10|archive-date=July 12, 2015|date=June 9, 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="GamesRadar">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |title=The 100 Best Games of All-Time |date=February 25, 2015 |website=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=November 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319223433/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-ever/ |archive-date=March 19, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Polygon">{{cite web|last=Polygon Staff|title=The 500 Best Video Games of All Time|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|website=[[Polygon.com]]|access-date=December 1, 2017|date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303210843/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/11/27/16158276/polygon-500-best-games-of-all-time-500-401|archive-date=March 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/how-the-dead-space-saga-lost-its-way-1640762555|title=How The Dead Space Saga Lost Its Way|last=Burford|first=G. B.|website=[[Kotaku]]|date=2014-09-30|access-date=2020-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001134529/https://kotaku.com/how-the-dead-space-saga-lost-its-way-1640762555|archive-date=2014-10-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="GIretro">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/classic/2018/11/22/dead-space-reliving-isaac-clarkes-horrifying-inaugural-journey-10-years-later|title=Dead Space – Reliving Isaac Clarke's Horrifying Inaugural Journey 10 years Later|author=Hillard, Kyle|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=2018-11-22|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122190154/https://www.gameinformer.com/classic/2018/11/22/dead-space-reliving-isaac-clarkes-horrifying-inaugural-journey-10-years-later|archive-date=2018-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="PlayMaking">{{cite magazine|author=Peppiatt, Dom|url=https://archive.org/details/Play_Issue_256_2015_UK/page/n75/mode/2up|title=The Making Of... Dead Space|magazine=[[Play (UK magazine)|Play]]|issue=256|date=2015|pages=76–79}}</ref>

<ref name="DeadNPD">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/npd-october-sales-defy-market-plunge/1100-6201094/|title=NPD: October sales defy market plunge|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2008-11-13|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116033924/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/npd-october-sales-defy-market-plunge/1100-6201094/|archive-date=2013-11-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="DeadAnalysis">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/reviews-liven-up-dead-space-sales-analyst|title=Reviews Liven Up Dead Space Sales - Analyst|author=Graft, Kris|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|date=2008-11-10|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112052103/http://www.edge-online.com/news/reviews-liven-up-dead-space-sales-analyst|archive-date=2008-11-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="DeadChart">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/technology/companies/10game.html|title=Electronic Arts Forecasts Weaker Profit in 2009|author=Richtel, Matt|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=2008-12-10|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106042126/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/technology/companies/10game.html|archive-date=2018-01-06|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="DeadNumbers">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112523/In_Depth_Inside_Mirrors_Edge_Dead_Space_Sales_Weakness.php|title=In Depth: Inside Mirror's Edge, Dead Space Sales Weakness|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2008-12-17|access-date=2020-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512133016/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112523/In_Depth_Inside_Mirrors_Edge_Dead_Space_Sales_Weakness.php|archive-date=2012-05-12|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="DeadMillion">{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57075 |title=Mirror's Edge, Dead Space Break 1 Million |publisher=Shacknews |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=February 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205163217/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57075 |archive-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Dead Space (series)}}
* [https://www.ea.com/games/dead-space EA's official ''Dead Space'' website]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/deadspace/videos Official ''Dead Space''  YouTube channel]

{{Dead Space}}
{{Visceral Games}}
{{Electronic Arts}}
{{Scientology in popular culture}}


[[Category:Dead Space]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts franchises]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into films]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2008]]
[[Category:Video games about zombies]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 26th century]]
[[Category:Horror video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Transmedia storytelling]]
[[Category:Video games about cults]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Dead Space|access_date=2026-03-02}}