Ice Nine Kills Credit F Scott Schafer
New single, cinematic music video, and in-game content unite the metal band’s signature horror storytelling with one of gaming’s biggest survival franchises.
Ice Nine Kills have added another major horror franchise to their growing list of creative collaborations with the release of “Play Dead,” a new single and cinematic music video created alongside the multiplayer horror game Dead by Daylight. The project was developed as part of the game’s 10th anniversary celebration and was officially revealed during the anniversary livestream.
The collaboration extends beyond music. Alongside the new track, players can access an official Ice Nine Kills Collection within Dead by Daylight, allowing fans to represent the band in-game through exclusive downloadable content inspired by the group’s horror-driven aesthetic.
“Play Dead” was co-written with longtime Dead by Daylight composer Michel F. April, bringing together the band’s theatrical metal style with the atmosphere that has defined the game for the past decade. The release reflects a partnership built around a shared appreciation for horror, blending music, gaming, and cinematic storytelling into a single project.
The accompanying music video also expands the ongoing narrative of the band’s interconnected “INKverse,” which has become a defining element of Ice Nine Kills’ visual identity. Previous installments have featured appearances from well-known names across the horror genre, including Matthew Lillard, David Arquette, Terry Kiser, Catherine Corcoran, and Bill Moseley.
This latest chapter introduces several new faces, including skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, actor Devon Sawa, actress and filmmaker Krsy Fox, along with members of the Dead by Daylight creative team.
Speaking about the collaboration, frontman Spencer Charnas said the partnership felt like a natural fit for a band whose music has consistently drawn inspiration from horror films and pop culture.
“Ice Nine Kills has always lived somewhere between menace and mischief. ‘Play Dead,’ our take on Dead by Daylight, is a collision of hooks, horror, and total chaos. As lifelong horror fans, we find it surreal and an absolute honor to have Ice Nine Kills’ music officially tied to Terrifier, Scream, Ready or Not, and now, the iconic survival horror game Dead by Daylight.”
Charnas explained that the band worked closely with Michel F. April to ensure the song authentically reflected the game’s atmosphere rather than simply referencing it. He also noted that the production involved collaboration with Dead by Daylight creative leaders Mathieu Côté and Eric Pope, as well as experienced players including SpookyLoopz, helping the project feel connected to the game’s community.
The frontman also highlighted the music video’s guest appearances, praising Devon Sawa’s long-standing contributions to horror cinema and describing Krsy Fox as both an emerging horror star and independent filmmaker. He added that Tony Hawk’s appearance represented the intersection of gaming, music, skateboarding, and alternative culture that has influenced Ice Nine Kills since the band’s early years.
For Dead by Daylight, the collaboration continues the game’s tradition of celebrating horror across multiple forms of entertainment.
Head of Partnerships Mat Côté said:
“Dead by Daylight has always been about celebrating horror in all its forms, and Ice Nine Kills shares that same passion for the genre we have. We’ve always been big fans of their music, and their creativity and deep connection to horror culture made this collab feel incredibly natural. We’re excited for our players to represent the band in-game with the Collection we created together, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the new Dead by Daylight crossover track the guys cooked up.”
The release continues a notable stretch of high-profile projects for Ice Nine Kills. Earlier collaborations have included “A Work of Art,” created as the official song for Terrifier 3, “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace),” which appeared during the closing credits of Scream 7, and “Hell or High Slaughter (Grave Diggler: Pt. 2),” featured in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
The band’s momentum extends beyond music as well. It has also been announced that Spencer Charnas will voice a character in Halloween: The Game, which is scheduled to launch as part of the game’s Digital Deluxe Edition on September 4, 2026.
More than two decades after releasing its debut album, Ice Nine Kills continues to blur the boundaries between heavy music, horror films, gaming, and cinematic storytelling. From concept albums and elaborate music videos to conventions, graphic novels, and now official video game collaborations, the band has steadily expanded its creative universe well beyond the traditional album cycle.
With “Play Dead,” Ice Nine Kills take another step into interactive horror, further strengthening their connection to some of the genre’s most recognizable franchises while giving both longtime fans and Dead by Daylight players a new crossover experience that bridges music and gaming.
Release Information
Single: “Play Dead”
Artist: Ice Nine Kills
Collaboration: Dead by Daylight
Music Video: Available now
In-Game Content: Official Ice Nine Kills Collection DLC available within Dead by Daylight
Songwriter Collaboration: Michel F. April
Additional Information
“Play Dead” was created to celebrate Dead by Daylight’s 10th anniversary.
The collaboration was announced during the game’s anniversary livestream.
The music video features Tony Hawk, Devon Sawa, Krsy Fox, and members of the Dead by Daylight creative team.
Spencer Charnas has also been announced as a voice actor in Halloween: The Game, releasing September 4, 2026.
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