Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is an upcoming survival horror action title co-developed by Mad Head Games and Boss Team Games, with publishing being handled by Saber Interactive. It’s designed as a new story within the Hellraiser universe, but its exact relationship with the movie continuity is more nuanced than a straightforward sequel.
Revival’s Part in Hellraiser Canon
Hellraiser: Revival is intended to fit within the franchise’s lore rather than function as a remake of the original movie, or any existing Hellraiser property. The developers have specifically identified Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II as their main cinematic reference points. The original novella, The Hellbound Heart, was also an important source, as was Clive Barker’s involvement.
The game features the Cenobite Hell Priest, aka Pinhead, played by horror icon Doug Bradley, as well as its own spin on the story/movie’s Lament Configuration puzzle box. While other Cenobites from the movies make an appearance, no other returning (human) characters have been confirmed: the developers have said Revival takes place approximately 20 years after the original Hellraiser, and acknowledged some nods to later film entries, but those movies were not the primary influence on the game’s story.
We Have Such Sights to Show You: How Revival Fits in With the Movies
The Hellraiser movie series became increasingly complicated after Hellbound: Hellraiser II, with later installments introducing different genres and locations, including noir (Hellraiser V: Inferno) and, of course, space (Hellraiser IV: Bloodline, which did at least give the world a giant Configuration puzzle box spaceship). Going by developer comments and game trailers, Revival doesn’t appear to require players to be familiar with all 10 original franchise movies nor the 2022 reboot.
“The Cenobites, with their enigmatic and otherworldly presence, need to be portrayed with all their complexity, from their unsettling designs to their intricate motivations”
Nemad Tomic, the game’s Executive Producer, told Xbox Wire.
“Equally important is the thematic balance between pain and pleasure, which defines the Hellraiser universe. The game must also explore the depths of human desire, temptation, and the voids people seek to fill – elements that add psychological depth and horror beyond just the physical realm.”
“By weaving these elements together, we ensure the game remains a true extension of Hellraiser’s dark and compelling world,” he added.
That makes Revival best described as a new canonical Hellraiser story built around the franchise’s original foundation, rather than a direct continuation of a specific movie storyline. The developers have not presented it as a reboot that erases the movies, either, although it remains to be seen how the game references the later films.
Gamers will be able to see the terrible/wonderful sights Pinhead has to show them when Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on Oct. 8, 2026.
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