When Supermassive Games released The Quarry in 2022, fans of interactive horror immediately noticed striking similarities to the studio's 2015 hit, Until Dawn. Both games feature a cast of young adults fighting for survival against terrifying creatures in isolated settings. However, gamers often wonder whether the two titles share a narrative connection or exist within the same universe.
The Official Relationship Between the Two Horror Titles
The Quarry is not a direct sequel or prequel to Until Dawn in terms of storyline or characters. Instead, the developers created the title as a spiritual successor that expands upon the cinematic gameplay mechanics introduced in their earlier work. While both projects share identical design philosophies, their respective narratives unfold in entirely separate fictional worlds.
Because Sony owns the intellectual property rights to Until Dawn, Supermassive Games partnered with 2K to publish The Quarry as a standalone experience. This shift in publishing allowed the studio to refine their signature style while building a brand-new lore centered around werewolf legends rather than Wendigos. Consequently, players do not need to play one title to fully understand or enjoy the other.
Shared Gameplay Mechanics and Storytelling DNA
Despite having separate storylines, the two games share a core foundation of decision-based storytelling and branching narrative paths. Players control a large ensemble cast where every choice, rapid quick-time event, and conversation can dramatically alter which characters survive until morning. The inclusion of predictive collectibles, such as tarot cards in place of totems, further bridges the stylistic design of both titles.
In addition to mechanics, both games pay homage to classic cinema tropes by trapping vulnerable teenagers in remote wilderness locations. The Quarry shifts the atmosphere toward classic 1980s summer camp slasher films, whereas Until Dawn leans into winter cabin horror. These thematic choices allow both games to feel deeply familiar to horror enthusiasts while providing distinct storytelling experiences.
Development History and Legacy
Industry reports suggest that early concepts for a true Until Dawn sequel eventually evolved during development to become what players know today as The Quarry. The game serves as a spiritual successor, delivering a high-budget cinematic experience that captures the scale of the original hit. This shared heritage ensures that fans of modern narrative horror can enjoy a rich, choice-driven adventure on current platforms.
