View source for Software:Deathloop

'''''Deathloop''''' is a 2021 [[Software:First-person shooter|first-person shooter]] game developed by [[Company:Arkane Studios|Arkane Lyon]] and published by [[Company:Bethesda Softworks|Bethesda Softworks]]. The player controls Colt Vahn, an assassin who must escape a time loop by killing eight targets known as visionaries before midnight each day. The story is set on an island named Blackreef. Each day is divided into morning, noon, afternoon, and evening; and moving between the island's four districts causes time to advance. Using Colt's arsenal of gear and powers, the player must identify the optimal way to kill all targets in one day.

Development of ''Deathloop'' began in 2018, originally as a smaller-scale project that allowed Arkane to experiment with new gameplay mechanics. The game was built on Arkane's previous works, such as ''[[Software:Dishonored|Dishonored]]'', introducing [[Software:Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear gameplay]] and removing the morality system, enabling players to take risks without considering narrative repercussions. Arkane implemented asymmetrical multiplayer, an unused gameplay mechanic from its unreleased game ''[[Software:The Crossing (video game)|The Crossing]]'' that enables a second player to control Julianna and hunt Colt. Films and television series like ''Groundhog Day'' and ''The Avengers'' inspired the story and aesthetics, while the [[Place:Scottish Highlands|Scottish Highlands]] and the [[Biography:Faroe Islands|Faroe Islands]] inspired the design of Blackreef.

''Deathloop'' was released on 14 September 2021 for Windows PC and [[Engineering:PlayStation 5|PlayStation 5]], and for [[Engineering:Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X and Series S]] on 20 September 2022. While the story takes place in the ''Dishonored'' universe, Bethesda did not market it as a spin-off of that franchise because it has a distinct story and characters. ''Deathloop'' received generally positive reviews; critics praised its gameplay, structure, art direction, characters and story, but criticized its [[Software:Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]]. Many critics described ''Deathloop'' as original and regarded it as one of Arkane Studio's best games. It attracted more than five million players upon launch, and it was nominated for several end-of-year accolades, including Game of the Year at the Game Awards, D.I.C.E. Awards, and British Academy Games Awards.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Deathloop gameplay screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|Colt's inner thoughts sometimes appear as text.]]

''Deathloop'' is set on an island called Blackreef. The player controls Colt, an assassin who is stuck in a time loop. Colt must eliminate eight targets called Visionaries across Blackreef before midnight; if one Visionary remains alive, the time loop will reset and undo Colt's work.<ref name="ign preview">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-isnt-a-roguelike-its-supernatural-hitman |title=Deathloop Isn't a Roguelike, It's Supernatural Hitman |first=Matt |last=Purslow |work=IGN |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224021544/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-isnt-a-roguelike-its-supernatural-hitman |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Deathloop'' has a multiplayer mode in which the player can alternatively play as Julianna, a Visionary tasked with protecting the time loop and killing Colt. When the player takes this role, they enter a random player's game and may interfere with their play. Juliana has a unique ability named Masquerade that allows her to swap her appearance with any non-playable character (NPC), enabling her to blend in with crowds and stay concealed.<ref name="RPS slabs">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-slabs-abilities |title=Deathloop slabs and abilities: how to obtain and fully upgrade all paranormal powers in Deathloop |first=Rebecca |last=Jones |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=20 September 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-slabs-abilities |url-status=live }}</ref> If the player disables multiplayer, Julianna will be controlled by [[Software:Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-invasion-is-a-zero-sum-mind-game-i-cant-stop-playing |title=Deathloop invasion is a zero-sum mind game I can't stop playing |first=Jeremy |last=Peel |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=21 September 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521194408/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-invasion-is-a-zero-sum-mind-game-i-cant-stop-playing |url-status=live}}</ref>

The game has two types of missions: Visionaries Leads is the campaign's critical path and Arsenal Leads guide players to improved weapons and gear.<ref name="Poly tnt"/> Each day is divided into morning, noon, afternoon, and evening, and moving between the island's four districts causes time to advance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/19/22442372/deathloop-preview-arkane-studios-ps5 |title=Here’s how Deathloop’s death loops work |first=Andrew |last=Webster |work=[[The Verge]] |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103111729/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/19/22442372/deathloop-preview-arkane-studios-ps5 |url-status=live}}</ref> The routines of the people in a particular district vary depending on the time of day the player enters, and the player's actions in one district can affect routines in the others. Different times of day open alternative paths for players to explore. For instance, a room that is locked in the morning may be unlocked at night.<ref name="GRadar tnt">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-tips/ |title=9 Deathloop tips to make sure you survive the day (again) |first=Leon |last=Hurley |work=GamesRadar |date=15 September 2022 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=10 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810061728/https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-tips/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Players must learn the patterns of Colt's targets and figure out the correct order in which to kill the targets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/11/21288465/bethesda-deathloop-arkane-lion-dishonored-gameplay-reveal |title=Dishonored devs are making a wild PS5 game |first=Patricia |last=Hernedez |date=11 June 2020 |accessdate=11 June 2020 |work=Polygon |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202093824/https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/11/21288465/bethesda-deathloop-arkane-lion-dishonored-gameplay-reveal |url-status=live }}</ref> Because it was impossible for Colt to separately kill all Visionaries, he must manipulate events to assemble multiple Visionaries in one location so he can kill them in quick succession.<ref name="ign preview"/> There is only one correct order to kill all Visionaries in a single loop.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/126699/how-to-kill-all-eight-visionary-targets-deathloop |title=How to kill all eight Visionary targets - Deathloop |first=Sam |last=Chandler |work=Shacknews |date=17 September 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121244/https://www.shacknews.com/article/126699/how-to-kill-all-eight-visionary-targets-deathloop |url-status=live}}</ref> The time loop in ''Deathloop'' is not timed;
players can freely explore each location to find clues and complete side objectives.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/3/1/22307468/deathloop-explained-trailer-gameplay-information |title=Arkane explains Deathloop's Groundhog Day-like mechanics |first=Ryan |last=Gilliam |date=1 March 2021 |accessdate=1 March 2021 |work=Polygon |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301184843/https://www.polygon.com/2021/3/1/22307468/deathloop-explained-trailer-gameplay-information |url-status=live }}</ref> A clue found by Colt may inform the player of their tasks in the next location, and intelligence collected in one loop can be used to player's advantages in the next loop.<ref name="ign preview"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/deathloop-gameplay-tips-what-you-need-to-know-as-you-begin/ |title=Deathloop gameplay tips: What you need to know as you begin |first=Daniel |last=Van Boom |work=CNET |date=14 September 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121244/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/deathloop-gameplay-tips-what-you-need-to-know-as-you-begin/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Players may need to spend multiple loops and revisit locations several times before they can identify the steps that are needed to assassinate all of their targets.<ref name="ign preview"/>

===Combat===
''Deathloop'' is an immersive sim video game that is played from a first-person perspective. Players are presented with a large arsenal of tools, allowing them to choose how they want to approach their objectives.<ref name="CNET preview"/> Each location in ''Deathloop'' is also a [[Software:Sandbox game|sandbox]] that provides alternative paths for players to reach their targets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/video-essay/2021/12/14/how-deathloop-works-breaking-down-arkanes-brilliant-game-design |title=How Deathloop Works: Breaking Down Arkane's Brilliant Game Design |first=Alex |last=Van Aken |date=14 December 2021 |access-date=17 August 2024 |archive-date=28 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128204301/https://www.gameinformer.com/video-essay/2021/12/14/how-deathloop-works-breaking-down-arkanes-brilliant-game-design |url-status=live}}</ref> Colt has access to firearms, melee weapons, and grenades that can be used to defeat enemies. Weapons are divided into several categories of rarity. More-common gear may frequently jam while rarer weapons are more powerful but more difficult to locate.<ref name="GRadar tnt"/> Gunshots draw opponents in the vicinity to hunt down the player.<ref name="CNET preview">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/i-played-deathloop-for-5-hours-and-learned-almost-nothing/ |title=I played 5 hours of Deathloop and learned nothing. It was amazing |first=Nicole |last=Archer |work=CNET |date=26 August 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105511/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/i-played-deathloop-for-5-hours-and-learned-almost-nothing/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Alternatively, players can use [[Software:Stealth game|stealth]] tactics to silently evade their opponents, distract them by throwing bottles, or kill them with traps or suppressed firearms without being detected.<ref name="GRadar tnt"/> By remaining concealed, players can eavesdrop on conversations between other characters, thus opening new gameplay opportunities.<ref name="Poly tnt">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/deathloop-guide-walkthrough/22643154/beginners-tips-tricks-stealth-infuse-visionary-arsenal-julianna |title=Deathloop beginner’s guide, tips, and tricks |first=Dave |last=Tech |work=Polygon |date=14 September 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094601/https://www.polygon.com/deathloop-guide-walkthrough/22643154/beginners-tips-tricks-stealth-infuse-visionary-arsenal-julianna |url-status=live}}</ref> Players can use their hacking tool to disable security cameras, gun turrets and security doors to their advantage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-tips-guide/ |title=Deathloop: 7 things you should know before starting |first=Laruen |last=Aitken |work=PC Gamer |date=13 September 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105448/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-tips-guide/ |url-status=live}}</ref> They gain trinkets, which are divided into several tiers of rarity. Weapon trinkets improve a weapon's performance and handling, while character trinkets provide additional abilities such as allowing Colt to double jump, heal more quickly, or take less damage. Each weapon can be equipped with three weapon trinkets, while Colt can equip four trinkets.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-trinkets-guide-full-list-and-which-are-best/1100-6499145/ |title=Deathloop Trinkets Guide: Full List And Which Are Best |first=Mark |last=Delaney |work=GameSpot |date=20 December 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094516/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-trinkets-guide-full-list-and-which-are-best/1100-6499145/ |url-status=live}}</ref> 

Some Visionaries drop Slabs, mysterious tablets that grant the user special powers, when they are killed. Players can wield two of five Slabs at once. "Shift" allows Colt to teleport short distances; "Aether" briefly turns him invisible; "Nexus" links together enemies together so damage dealt to one enemy will be inflicted to all who are linked; "Havoc" significantly increases Colt's damage output while boosting his defense; and "Karnesis" enables Colt to lift and slam enemies on the ground.<ref name="slab"/> The "Goldenloop" update introduces a new ability named "Fugue", which allows Colt to slow and disorient targeted enemies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/deathloop-guide-walkthrough/23361730/deathloop-goldenloop-update-new-content-fugue-halps-prototype-masquerade-trinket |title=Everything coming in Deathloop’s big Goldenloop update |first=Ryan |last=Gilliam |date=22 September 2022 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225120831/https://www.polygon.com/deathloop-guide-walkthrough/23361730/deathloop-goldenloop-update-new-content-fugue-halps-prototype-masquerade-trinket |url-status=live}}</ref> Slabs can be further upgraded for up-to four times by killing the Visionary who drops it in subsequent loops.<ref name="slab">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/slab-upgrades-best |title=Deathloop Slabs - all powers and upgrades |first=Christian |last=Vaz |work=PCGamesN |date=16 September 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121243/https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/slab-upgrades-best |url-status=live}}</ref> Colt has an ability named "Reprise" that allows him to be revived twice in each location.<ref name="RPS slabs"/> If the player is killed three times in the same location, the loop will restart and Colt loses all of his weapons, trinkets, and slabs. To prevent this, Colt can infuse his gear with a resource named "Residuum" so they become permanent in his arsenal. Residuum can be collected by killing Visionaries and through caches that are found in each location.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-farm-residuum-in-deathloop-carry-over-weapons-and-trinkets/1100-6499074 |title=How To Farm Residuum In Deathloop: Carry Over Weapons And Trinkets |first=Mark |last=Delaney |work=GameSpot |date=16 December 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094518/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-farm-residuum-in-deathloop-carry-over-weapons-and-trinkets/1100-6499074/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Collected Residuum cannot be carried over to the next loop.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://primagames.com/tips/tips-tricks-starting-out-deathloop |title=Tips & Tricks for Starting Out in Deathloop |first=Jesse |last=Vietti |work=Prima Games |date=14 September 2024 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094516/https://primagames.com/tips/tips-tricks-starting-out-deathloop |url-status=live}}</ref> All gathered Residuum is dropped upon Colt's death, though players can recover them if they reach the location of Colt's most-recent death.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/what-kind-of-game-is |title=Deathloop isn’t the game I thought it was, and that’s a good thing |first=Jordan |last=Forward |work=PCGamesN |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121245/https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/what-kind-of-game-is |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Setting===
''Deathloop'' is set in an alternate world resembling the 1960s; it takes place over a single, repeating day on the subarctic island of Blackreef that was first charted in 1931, Blackreef was originally home to a small fishing settlement and a military base where experiments on local temporal anomalies were conducted. It is now owned by the AEON Program, which the scientist Egor Serling founded to use the island's unique properties to gain immortality by living in an infinite time loop. Serling attracted eight other eccentric, talented individuals to his cause, the Visionaries, and scores of fanatical followers called Eternalists dedicated to serving them. Thanks to the time loop, members of the AEON Program are able to hold a never-ending party where they can do anything they desire without fear of consequences because the loop resets at midnight and restores everyone to their original state with no memories of the previous day.

The Visionaries Colt Vahn and Julianna Blake are disrupting the natural flow of the loop. Julianna is immune to the time loop's memory erasure; every day, she alerts all of Blackreef's inhabitants that Colt has betrayed the AEON Program and wants to break the loop, causing everyone to hunt him. Colt also develops the ability to retain his memories from previous days, and is able to learn the behaviors and patterns of the Visionaries and Eternalists. To break the loop, Colt must kill all eight of the other Visionaries, including Julianna, in one day because the loop requires only one of them to remain alive at midnight to reset again. The director, Dinga Bakaba, confirmed ''Deathloop'' exists in the same universe as the ''Dishonored'' series, in the far future of the events of ''[[Software:Dishonored: Death of the Outsider]]'' (2017), and both the ''Dishonored'' series and ''Deathloop'' include references to one another.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-confirms-deathloop-and-dishonored-are-in-the-same-connected-universe/1100-6508120/ |title=Bethesda Confirms Deathloop And Dishonored Are In The Same Connected Universe |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=7 October 2022 |accessdate=7 October 2022 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018143723/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-confirms-deathloop-and-dishonored-are-in-the-same-connected-universe/1100-6508120/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Plot===
Waking from a dream in which he is murdered by an unknown woman, Colt Vahn is hungover on a beach with no memories of himself or his location. He receives guidance from messages and meetings with alternative versions of himself, instructing him to break the time loop in which he is trapped. To do this, he must kill all eight Visionaries before the time loop resets itself at the end of the day. Julianna Blake warns the Visionaries and their followers, the Eternalists, of Colt's plan, and calls for him to be hunted. Julianna taunts Colt to try and break the loop, although she works to stop him. Colt finds, unlike the other inhabitants of the island, he has gained the ability to retain his memories across loops, allowing him to better plan and prepare for his goal of breaking the loop. He learns Julianna also appears to retain her memories across loops.

While Colt devises a plan to kill seven of the Visionaries, Julianna remains elusive, choosing to hide in the antenna of Stabilizer Core, the structure that powers Blackreef's time loops. The only way to reach the Core is to use an abandoned military rocket airplane. Colt investigates old bunkers across the island. He learns he was a member of Operation Horizon, the original military expedition to Blackreef decades earlier, but was accidentally sent into the future by an experiment that went awry. Colt joined the AEON Program in hope of finding a way to return to the past and reunite with his girlfriend Lila. As a consequence of being sent to the future, he discovers Julianna is his daughter. Colt activates the rocket plane and reaches the Core, where he confronts Julianna. Julianna says things started to go wrong when Colt, having had second thoughts about the AEON Program, started killing her in every loop to free her from it. Julianna grew to hate Colt and began to retaliate, culminating in her hunting him in every loop. Julianna presents Colt with a choice; kill her, break the loop and suffer an uncertain future, or spare her so they can continue living eternally through the loops.

* If Colt chooses to kill Julianna and himself to break the loop, he wakes up on the beach — now a strange apocalyptic landscape — with Julianna holding him at gunpoint. She decides to spare him and departs, leaving him to face the uncertain future alone. The ''Goldenloop'' update expands on this ending, showing all of the Visionaries and Eternalists also waking to find the loop broken.
* If Colt chooses to kill Julianna but refuses to kill himself, the loop resets as normal. 
* If Colt chooses to spare Julianna, they reconcile and cooperate to hunt the other inhabitants of Blackreef for fun.

==Development==
''Deathloop'' was developed by Arkane Lyon, the studio behind ''[[Software:Dishonored|Dishonored]]'' (2012) and its sequel ''[[Software:Dishonored 2|Dishonored 2]]'' (2016). Development began in 2018, initially as a smaller project for Arkane. According to studio co-founder Raphaël Colantonio, the studio's goal was to experiment with multiplayer and identify ways to recycle gameplay. Arkane previously experimented with the [[Software:Roguelike|roguelike genre]] with ''[[Software:Prey (2017 video game)|Prey: Mooncrash]]'' (2018), and ''Deathloop'' was built to further expand on the idea of remixing gameplay using a limited amount of assets. ''Deathloop''{{'}}s scope significantly expanded during development and it was launched as a fully-priced product in September 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/bethesda-werent-sure-if-they-wanted-dishonored-3-and-so-we-got-deathloop-instead |title=Bethesda weren't sure if they wanted Dishonored 3, and so we got Deathloop instead |first=Jeremy |last=Peel |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=20 April 2023 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=6 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806163611/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/bethesda-werent-sure-if-they-wanted-dishonored-3-and-so-we-got-deathloop-instead |url-status=live}}</ref> Before Colantonio departed the studio, he appointed Dinga Bakaba and Sebastien Mitton as the directors for ''Deathloop''.<ref name="road director"/>

===Gameplay===
''Deathloop'' placed a large emphasis on player's choices and freedom. According to Bakaba, it "[entrusted] the player with a lot of ownership of their own enjoyment".<ref name="GI preview1"/> As an immersive sim, ''Deathloop'' established consistent gameplay rules, and players were encouraged to plan their approach based on their understanding of these rules and to see if the game responded accordingly. According to level designer Dana Nightingale, ''Deathloop'' was designed for "deliberate" play and discouraged random player actions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-hourglass-philosophy-behind-dishonored-and-deathloops-genre-leading-level-design |title=The hourglass philosophy behind Dishonored and Deathloop's genre-leading level design |first=Robert |last=Purchese |work=Eurogamer |date=24 February 2023 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818103539/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-hourglass-philosophy-behind-dishonored-and-deathloops-genre-leading-level-design |url-status=live}}</ref> Arkane's map designers avoided adding chokepoints that funnel the player in a particular direction, as the game was designed to be less linear when compared with ''Dishonored''. They attempted to build open spaces where players can choose not to engage with scripted confrontations or interactions with other characters.<ref name="GI preview1">{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/12/arkane-talks-going-from-dishonored-to-deathloop |title=Arkane Talks Going From Dishonored To Deathloop |first=Brian |last=Shea |work=Game Informer |date=12 March 2021 |access-date=14 August 2024 |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519085100/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/12/arkane-talks-going-from-dishonored-to-deathloop |url-status=live}}</ref> Colt's powers were designed to be similar to those in ''Dishonored'' to maintain a level of familiarity to fans of Arkane's past works.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-brings-back-powers-from-dishonored-plus-freeform-assassinations |title=Deathloop Brings Back Powers From Dishonored, Plus Freeform Assassinations |first=Matt |last=Purslow |work=IGN |date=27 February 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725040150/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-brings-back-powers-from-dishonored-plus-freeform-assassinations |url-status=live}}</ref> Bakaba described ''Deathloop''{{'s}} gameplay as "''Dishonored'' with guns";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/22443756/deathloop-release-date-ps5-pc-preview-arkane-studios-bethesda-softworks |title=Deathloop has more Dishonored and Hitman DNA than I expected |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |work=Polygon |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719225545/https://www.polygon.com/22443756/deathloop-release-date-ps5-pc-preview-arkane-studios-bethesda-softworks |url-status=live}}</ref> the team removed all non-lethal means of dispatching enemies that are common in ''Dishonored'' games.<ref name="RPS interview1"/> 

''Deathloop''{{'}}s time-loop structure was designed to encourage players to visit locations multiple times.<ref name="RPS interview1"/> Familiarity with each location enabled players to master their gameplay skills and understand the myriad of systems earlier.<ref name="noclip"/> As levels were designed to be replayed, the level-design team worked to ensure each route toward an objective had their own advantages and drawbacks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/features/how-arkane-designed-a-map-worth-revisiting-in-deathloop-3117616 |title=How Arkane designed a map worth revisiting in ‘Deathloop’ |first=Andy |last=Brown |work=NME |date=13 December 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105603/https://www.nme.com/features/how-arkane-designed-a-map-worth-revisiting-in-deathloop-3117616 |url-status=live}}</ref> The roguelike inspiration also prompted players to experiment with different gadgets and builds. Unlike ''Dishonored'', which had a morality system to judge the player's actions, ''Deathloop'' maintained a neutral stance throughout to avoid facilitating a specific playstyle.<ref name="road director">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/dinga-bakaba-and-the-road-to-deathloop |title=Deathloop's Dinga Bakaba on rising to director and avoiding crunch |first=James |last=Batchelor |work=Gameindustry.biz |date=17 March 2022 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521173725/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/dinga-bakaba-and-the-road-to-deathloop |url-status=live}}</ref> The developers removed [[Software:Saved game|quick-save]] functionality from the ''Dishonored'' series because they wanted players to see the consequences of their actions and react to them, being spontaneous rather than loading a saved game to bypass failures.<ref name="PCG interview"/>

Bakaba described ''Deathloop'' as a "murder puzzle" and an "inverted ''Cluedo''" in which players must achieve the "Golden Loop" by eliminating all Visionaries within a single day.<ref name="RPS interview1">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-preview |title=Deathloop is about mastering the world rather than "perfect execution" |first=Imogen |last=Beckhelling |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094515/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-preview |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VG247 interview">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/deathloop-interview-ps5-dishonored-persona-dark-souls-cluedo |title=Deathloop interview - a strange blend of Dishonored, Persona, Dark Souls and… Cluedo? |first=Kirk |last=McKeand |work=VG247 |date=30 June 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813085100/https://www.vg247.com/deathloop-interview-ps5-dishonored-persona-dark-souls-cluedo |url-status=live}}</ref> Bakaba added while players may fear the time loop at the beginning for disrupting their progress, they will eventually understand time is on Colt's side and he can become its master in a manner similar to the protagonists of ''Groundhog Day'' (1993) and ''Palm Springs'' (2020).<ref name="PCG interview"/> The developers did not want to punish players for slowly exploring each location.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-devs-on-ps5-features-time-loop-gameplay |title=Deathloop Devs on PS5 Features, Time Loop Gameplay |first=Jonathan |last=Dornbush |work=IGN |date=18 July 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001120922/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-devs-on-ps5-features-time-loop-gameplay |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, time passed only when players exited a level; Bakaba compared this system to a turn-based game.<ref name="PCG interview">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-deathloop-defies-the-immersive-sims-reliance-on-quick-save/ |title=How Deathloop defies the immersive sim's reliance on quick save |first=Shaun |last=Prescott |work=PC Gamer |date=17 August 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094512/https://www.pcgamer.com/how-deathloop-defies-the-immersive-sims-reliance-on-quick-save/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, ''Deathloop'' provided little-to-no guidance on how to achieve the "Golden Loop" so players can solve the mystery on their own. Early playtesters did not understand the game enough to progress so Arkane introduced a tutorial session, dubbed internally as the "guided tour", to help players understand the gameplay mechanics. Quests also offered players straightforward guidance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uzhjl8xh_M |title=The Redesign That Saved Deathloop |first=Kirk |last=Indovina |work=GameSpot |date=23 August 2022 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094531/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uzhjl8xh_M |url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike immersive sims with a minimalistic [[Head-up display|head-up display]] (HUD), ''Deathloop''{{'}}s user interface readily provided players with information. Due to the focus on puzzles, the developers did not want players to become cognitively overwhelmed.<ref name="noclip"/>

To introduce a layer of unpredictability, Arkane added a multiplayer mode, having explored the concept of asymmetrical multiplayer in its unreleased title ''[[Software:The Crossing (video game)|The Crossing]]''.<ref name="VG247 interview"/> The developers wanted fighting Julianna to be a challenge and ensured Colt had a slight advantage over her through the "Reprise" ability, which allowed him to respawn twice. This gameplay dynamic encouraged those playing as Colt to take more risks and the player controlling Julianna to be more cautious.<ref name="antedote">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-pvp-isnt-built-competitive-play-its-an-anecdote-generator |title=Deathloop PvP Isn't Built for Competitive Play, It's an 'Anecdote Generator' |first=Jared |last=Moore |work=IGN |date=20 August 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094520/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-pvp-isnt-built-competitive-play-its-an-anecdote-generator |url-status=live}}</ref> Familiarity with the map helped the player controlling Julianna to notice Colt's location and identify the best way to kill him; Arkane described this as the "ultimate test" for veteran players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-pvp-will-be-the-ultimate-test-for-players/ |title=Deathloop PvP will be 'the ultimate test' for players |first=Andy |last=Chalk |work=PC Gamer |date=20 August 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094513/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-pvp-will-be-the-ultimate-test-for-players/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Bakaba described the multiplayer mode as an "anecdote generator".<ref name="antedote"/> It was designed to be "freeform"; encounters did not need to end with a direct confrontation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloops-invasion-pvp-mode-can-be-played-like-a-co-op-game |title=Deathloop's Invasion PvP Mode Can Be Played Like a Co-Op Game |first=Matt |last=Purslow |work=IGN |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527065348/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloops-invasion-pvp-mode-can-be-played-like-a-co-op-game |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-preview/ |title=Why Arkane's ultra stylish PS5 shooter Deathloop is so much more than just Dishonored with bigger guns |first=Alex |last=Avard |work=GamesRadar |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813235828/https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-preview/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In-game voice chat was disabled because Arkane considered ''Deathloop'' to be a single-player game in which players should feel like they are being hunted by "a character from the game, not someone from the internet".<ref name="GI multiplayer">{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/19/how-deathloops-multiplayer-works-and-how-arkane-prevents-it-from-being-annoying |title=How Deathloop's Multiplayer Works And How Arkane Prevents It From Being Annoying |first=Brian |last=Shea |work=Game Informer |date=19 March 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727190209/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/19/how-deathloops-multiplayer-works-and-how-arkane-prevents-it-from-being-annoying |url-status=live }}</ref> Arkane replaced the parry system in ''Dishonored'' with a simpler kick mechanic because the timing for parrying human-controlled characters and other NPCs would be different due to network latency.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-melee-combat-changed-development |title=Here's Why Deathloop's More Robust Melee Combat Was Scrapped |first=Petey |last=Oneto |work=IGN |date=23 September 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094525/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-melee-combat-changed-development |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Story and characters===
According to Bakaba, events in ''Deathloop'' were originally planned to have occurred across four days.<ref name="noclip">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ra-jkrurR4 |title=Deathloop Developer Breaks Down its Design |work=Noclip |first=Danny |last=O'Dawyer |date=23 September 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=1 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801005830/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ra-jkrurR4 |url-status=live}}</ref> Every character knows they are living in a time loop but only Julianna, Colt, and several minor characters retain memories of the events in each loop. This results in the Visionaries and the Eternalist acting lightheartedly because nothing they do has consequences when each day resets anew.<ref name="wired art"/> Despite the initial hostile tension, Julianna and Colt gradually grow close to each other because they were the only characters with persistent memories. The developers had to make Colt amnesiac so he will learn alongside the player.<ref name="GDC">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/using-time-loop-logic-to-shape-deathloop-s-narrative |title=Using time loop logic to shape Deathloop's narrative |first=Bryant |last=Francis |work=[[Software:Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |date=29 March 2022 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817101040/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/marketing/using-time-loop-logic-to-shape-deathloop-s-narrative |url-status=live}}</ref>  According to Bakaba, Julianna wants to stop Colt from breaking the loop but did not want him to stop trying.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/17/who-are-deathloops-main-characters-colt-and-julianna |title=Who Are Deathloop's Main Characters, Colt And Julianna? |first=Brian |last=Shea |work=Game Informer |date=17 March 2021 |access-date=18 August 2024 |archive-date=19 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719225541/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/03/17/who-are-deathloops-main-characters-colt-and-julianna |url-status=live}}</ref> The interactions between Colt and Julianna are based around the films of Quentin Tarantino.<ref name="polygon films"/> Julianna's prominence as a character was introduced fairly late in the development; her role was initially comparable to the other Visionaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/story/deathloop-radical-necessity-of-2-black-leads/ |title=Deathloop and the Radical Necessity of 2 Black Leads |first=Williesha |last=Morris |work=Wired |date=8 August 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612033635/https://www.wired.com/story/deathloop-radical-necessity-of-2-black-leads/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/128989/colt-juliannas-banter-and-ties-in-deathloop-came-very-late-in-development |title=Colt & Julianna's banter and ties in Deathloop came very late in development |first=TJ |last=Denzer |work=Shacknews |date=23 February 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105604/https://www.shacknews.com/article/128989/colt-juliannas-banter-and-ties-in-deathloop-came-very-late-in-development |url-status=live}}</ref> The Visionaries were given strong, thoroughly developed personalities and backstories; however, they were designed so the player doesn't feel remorse at killing them. They do not have [[Social:Character arc|character arc]]s because the game is set in a time loop.<ref name="GDC"/> The development team used several narrative tools to aid storytelling because the game does not have extensive [[Software:Cutscene|cutscene]]s. Floating thoughts are Colt's thoughts from previous loop interactions, and were designed as a cheap way to provide gameplay hints and add to the mood. While the developers initially avoided having Colt talk to himself, playtesters felt this helped players to better follow the story, and the studio further developed Colt as a talkative person.<ref name="GDC"/>

''Deathloop''{{'s}} narrative was inspired by a number of films. Besides time-travel and time-loop films like ''Groundhog Day'', ''Edge of Tomorrow'' (2014) and the ''Back to the Future'' trilogy, the game was also influenced by the French comedy ''La Colle'' (2017) and ''The Fourth Dimension'' (2012).<ref name="polygon films">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/22700733/deathloop-movies-inspiration |title=Arkane Studios' Sébastien Mitton explains the 13 movies that inspired Deathloop |first=Toussaint |last=Egan |date=30 September 2021 |accessdate=1 October 2021 |work=Polygon |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001031746/https://www.polygon.com/22700733/deathloop-movies-inspiration |url-status=live }}</ref> Films like ''The Running Man'' (1987), ''The Warriors'' (1979), ''The Wicker Man'' (1973), ''Under the Volcano'' (1984), and ''Dark City'' (1998) inspired the plot of a solitary man working to solve a mystery in an isolated location while being hunted.<ref name="polygon films"/> Colt's appearance heavily draws from Denzel Washington's character in ''The Book of Eli'' (2010), while his motives are based around the character Snake Plissken from ''Escape from New York'' (1981), and some gadgets were inspired by the James Bond series.<ref name="polygon films"/> ''Deathloop'' is set in the ''Dishonored'' universe, though Arkane and Bethesda avoided positioning ''Deathloop'' as a ''Dishonored'' spin-off because it has a standalone story and characters.<ref name="dishonored game">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/bethesda-finally-confirms-it-deathloop-is-a-dishonored-game/ |title=Bethesda finally confirms it: Deathloop is a Dishonored game |first=Andy |last=Chalk |work=PC Gamer |date=8 October 2022 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421134150/https://www.pcgamer.com/bethesda-finally-confirms-it-deathloop-is-a-dishonored-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Art and music===
[[File:Faroe Islands, Eysturoy, Skipanes and Undir Gøtueiði.jpg |thumb|The [[Biography:Faroe Islands|Faroe Islands]] ''(pictured)'' inspired the landscape of Blackreef.]]

The development team wanted Blackreef to be an isolated but "relatively built-up" location. Its design was inspired by the [[Place:Scottish Highlands|Scottish Highlands]] as seen in ''Skyfall'' (2012), the [[Biography:Faroe Islands|Faroe Islands]], the Falkland Islands, and remote petroleum-extraction stations in Northern Russia.<ref name="polygon films"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-devs-based-blackreef-island-on-edinburgh-and-the-faroe-islands/ |title=Deathloop devs based Blackreef on Edinburgh and the Faroe Islands |first=Hirun |last=Cryer |work=GamesRadar |date=2 November 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094513/https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-devs-based-blackreef-island-on-edinburgh-and-the-faroe-islands/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Settlements were inspired by Italian towns like Positano, which invited joyous exploration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/nov/03/deathloop-how-arkane-used-frank-lloyd-wright-tarantino-and-twiggy-to-build-a-world |title=Deathloop: how Arkane used Frank Lloyd Wright, Tarantino and Twiggy to build a world |first=Keith |last=Stuart |work=The Guardian |date=3 November 2021 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818104148/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/nov/03/deathloop-how-arkane-used-frank-lloyd-wright-tarantino-and-twiggy-to-build-a-world |url-status=live}}</ref> Mitton used [[Astronomy:Google Earth|Google Earth]] and [[Software:Google Street View|Google Street View]] to research locations.<ref name="wired art"/> To create a surrealistic atmosphere and depict a world frozen in time, the team  contrasted the 1960s aesthetics with military structures that were common in the 1930s and 1940s.<ref name="wired art"/> Of the four locations, Updaam, was the first Arkane created; Bakaka described it as a "traditional urban area". "The Complex" focuses on the contrast between nature and technology, and is the most scientific area. Fristad Rock focuses on the contrast between an old, derelict bunker and an elegant, lavish casino; and Karl's Bay serves as the major party and entertainment location.<ref name="noclip"/>

The aesthetics were inspired by imagery of the 1960s because it evokes both a sense of mystery and nostalgia, and because its light-hearted vibe fits with the narrative of "an eternal party".<ref name="wired art"/> The British espionage television series ''The Avengers'' (1961-69), significantly influenced ''Deathloop''{{'}}s overall direction.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/features/the-cult-cinema-that-inspired-bethesdas-deathloop-2944728 |title=The cult cinema that inspired Bethesda’s ‘Deathloop’ |first=Matt |last=Kamen |work=NME |date=20 May 2021 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818104211/https://www.nme.com/features/the-cult-cinema-that-inspired-bethesdas-deathloop-2944728 |url-status=live}}</ref> The visual direction was also inspired by the styles of the Swinging Sixties and the contemporary depiction of the era as seen through Guy Ritchie's ''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'' (2015).<ref name="polygon films"/> While creating the costumes of the characters, the team was influenced by the works of stylist Vidal Sassoon. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-artist-showcases-the-games-sharp-60s-inspired-fashion/ |title=Deathloop artist showcases the game's sharp '60s-inspired fashion |first=Natelie |last=Clayton |work=PC Gamer |date=19 March 2021 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094515/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-artist-showcases-the-games-sharp-60s-inspired-fashion/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Because ''Deathloop'' requires players to be familiar with the four locations, the developers strove to ensure it was not too visually complicated.<ref name="wired art">{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/story/deathloop-game-art-style/ |title=Take a Closer Look at Deathloop’s Trippy, ’60s-Infused Island |first=Ewan |last=Wilson |work=Wired |date=15 September 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=16 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716171714/https://www.wired.com/story/deathloop-game-art-style/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To ensure the game was visually distinct, Arkane took cues from the use of color in films like ''High Plains Drifter'' (1973) and ''Point Blank'' (1967), using bright colors and designs to give the island an endless party atmosphere. Billboards that reveal secrets about the island were drawn from the film ''They Live'' (1988), and the works of graphic artists Saul Bass and Robert McGinnis inspired the  cutscenes and posters.<ref name="polygon films"/> The modernist architecture was inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, while the interiors were inspired by photographs from the book ''Lair: Radical Homes and Hideouts of Movie Villains'' (2019).<ref name="wired art"/>

Michel Trémouiller was the audio director and Tom Salta composed its music. The soundtrack is primarily Jazz fusion music. The developers were inspired by 1950s and 1960s science-fiction and horror films and television shows, such as ''Not of This Earth'' (1957) and ''My Favorite Martian'' (1999), as well as ''A Clockwork Orange'' (1971) and ''The Thing'' (1951). Soundtracks from spy movies also influenced the developers, especially when they were composing the score for the Visionaries, each of whom has a distinct musical theme. Salta also worked to ensure his score reinforces the time-loop theme; some chord progressions repeat in a variety of ways depending on the player's actions and location.<ref name="audio"/> Salta used musical instruments from the 1960s, such as a [[Engineering:Rhodes piano|Rhodes piano]], a Hammond B3 organ, a [[Engineering:Vibraphone|vibraphone]], a [[Engineering:Clavinet|clavinet]], and a [[Company:Mellotron|mellotron]] for the music. [[Social:Synthwave|Synthwave]] music was also included; Salta used a [[Engineering:Theremin|theremin]] and a EMS Synthi AKS synthesizer to produce the music.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/capturing-the-retro-future-essence-of-deathloop-through-its-score |title=Capturing the retro-future essence of Deathloop through its score |first=Bryn |last=Gelbert |work=[[Software:Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |date=14 September 2021 |accessdate=18 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818104213/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/capturing-the-retro-future-essence-of-deathloop-through-its-score |url-status=live}}</ref> Diegetic music, which is broadcast in-game through radios and loudspeakers, was written by Ross Tregenza and Erich Talaba.<ref name="audio">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/defining-the-unique-identity-of-deathloop-world-and-visionaries-through-sound-design |title=Defining the unique identity of Deathloop's world and Visionaries through sound design |first=Bryn |last=Gelbert |work=[[Software:Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |date=20 September 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223154014/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/defining-the-unique-identity-of-deathloop-world-and-visionaries-through-sound-design |url-status=live}}</ref> Sencit Music and the artist FJØRA released a theme song for ''Deathloop'' titled "Deja Vu" to accompany the release of one of the trailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloops-brilliant-bond-style-theme-is-now-on-spotify/ |title=Deathloop's brilliant Bond-style theme is now on Spotify |first=Rich |last=Stanton |work=PC Gamer |date=5 March 2021 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=18 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105450/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloops-brilliant-bond-style-theme-is-now-on-spotify/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Release==

Publisher [[Company:Bethesda Softworks|Bethesda Softworks]] filed a trademark application for ''Deathloop'' in December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-parent-company-trademarks-a-new-game-call/1100-6464107/ |title=Bethesda Parent Company Trademarks A New Game Called "Deathloop" |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |work=GameSpot |date=2 January 2019 |accessdate=10 August 2024 |archive-date=7 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233134/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-parent-company-trademarks-a-new-game-call/1100-6464107/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Arkane and Bethesda revealed it at E3 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18659181/deathloop-arkane-lyon-game-trailer-announce-bethesda-e3-2019 |title=Deathloop is the next game from the studio behind Dishonored |first=Adi |last=Robertson |date=9 June 2020 |accessdate=11 June 2020 |work=[[The Verge]] |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610054004/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18659181/deathloop-arkane-lyon-game-trailer-announce-bethesda-e3-2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was also shown during Sony's [[Engineering:PlayStation 5|PlayStation 5]] event in June 2020, confirming it would be released as a timed console exclusive on the PlayStation 5 in late 2020 alongside a release for [[Software:Windows|Windows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/deathloop-arkane-ps5-console-exclusive |title=Arkane's Deathloop Is a Timed PS5 Console Exclusive [Update] |first=Eric |last=Van Allen |work=USgamer |date=11 June 2020 |accessdate=20 July 2020 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614064154/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/deathloop-arkane-ps5-console-exclusive |url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2020, it was announced the release was delayed until Q2 2021 because development was affected by the US government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/18/21373600/deathloop-delay-release-date-ps4-ps5-pc-arkane-studios-bethesda-softworks |title=Deathloop delayed to next year, says Arkane |first=Owen |last=S. Good |work=Polygon |date=18 August 2020 |accessdate=19 August 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818173033/https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/18/21373600/deathloop-delay-release-date-ps4-ps5-pc-arkane-studios-bethesda-softworks |url-status=live}}</ref> The company later announced it planned to release ''Deathloop'' on 21 May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/deathloop-release-date-ps5-pc-180547795.html |title=Arkane's 'Deathloop' hits PS5 and PC on May 21st, 2021 |date=12 November 2020 |accessdate=12 November 2020 |work=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112191307/https://www.engadget.com/deathloop-release-date-ps5-pc-180547795.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2021, Arkane postponed the release until 14 September that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/deathloop-delayed/ |title=Bethesda's PS5 exclusive Deathloop has been delayed |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=8 April 2021 |accessdate=8 April 2021 |work=Video Games Chronicle |archive-date=25 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425081136/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/deathloop-delayed/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The development was completed on 5 August 2021; Arkane confirmed it had been declared [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|gold]], indicating it was being prepared for duplication and release.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-goes-gold-gets-stylish-poster-image-to-celebrate/1100-6494843/ |title=Deathloop Goes Gold, Gets Stylish Poster Image To Celebrate |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |work=GameSpot |date=5 August 2021 |accessdate=16 August 2024 |archive-date=5 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805161857/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-goes-gold-gets-stylish-poster-image-to-celebrate/1100-6494843/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Players who purchased the Deluxe Edition gained access to new weapons, trinkets, and character skins.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-discount-available-for-ps-plus-subscribers-free-steelbook-up-for-grabs-at-best-buy/1100-6493750/ |title=Deathloop Discount Available For PS Plus Subscribers, Free Steelbook Up For Grabs At Best Buy |first=Steven |last=Petite |work=GameSpot |date=13 September 2021 |accessdate=14 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094534/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deathloop-discount-available-for-ps-plus-subscribers-free-steelbook-up-for-grabs-at-best-buy/1100-6493750/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 September 2020, [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]] and Bethesda Softworks' parent company [[Company:ZeniMax Media|ZeniMax Media]] announced Microsoft's intent to buy ZeniMax and its studios, including Arkane, for {{USD |7.5 billion}}, incorporating the studios as part of [[Company:Xbox Game Studios|Xbox Game Studios]]; the sale was finalized on 9 March 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ |title=Microsoft confirms its Bethesda acquisition is complete and 'some games' will be exclusive |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=9 March 2021 |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=Video Games Chronicle |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164348/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-21/microsoft-to-buy-bethesda-studios-for-7-5-billion-to-boost-xbox |title=Microsoft to Buy Bethesda for $7.5 Billion to Boost Xbox |first1=Dina |last1=Bass |first2=Jason |last2=Schreier |date=21 September 2020 |accessdate=21 September 2020 |work=Bloomberg News |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503195044/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-21/microsoft-to-buy-bethesda-studios-for-7-5-billion-to-boost-xbox |url-status=live}}</ref> Xbox Game Studios head Phil Spencer said this deal would not affect ''Deathloop''{{'}}s platform-exclusive release on the PlayStation 5, and that it would remain exclusive there for one year before its release for other consoles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ghostwire-tokyo-and-deathloop-will-still-be-timed-ps5-exclusives-phil-spencer-confirms |title=GhostWire: Tokyo and Deathloop Will Still Be Timed PS5 Exclusives, Phil Spencer Confirms |first=Mathew |last=Olsen |date=21 September 2020 |accessdate=21 September 2020 |work=USGamer |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021153301/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/ghostwire-tokyo-and-deathloop-will-still-be-timed-ps5-exclusives-phil-spencer-confirms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/sony-will-lose-another-big-ps5-exclusive-in-september-2-1847263062 |title=Sony Will Lose Another Big PS5 Exclusive In September 2022 |first=Zack |last=Zwiezen |date=9 July 2021 |accessdate=9 July 2021 |work=Kotaku |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709213632/https://kotaku.com/sony-will-lose-another-big-ps5-exclusive-in-september-2-1847263062 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Deathloop'' was released for Xbox Series X/S on 20 September 2022, alongside a "Goldenloop" update that introduces a new weapon, a new ability, new enemy types, [[Software:Cross-platform play|cross-platform play]] and an extended ending.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-hits-game-pass-alongside-big-goldenloop-update-and-crossplay/ |title=Deathloop hits Game Pass alongside big Goldenloop update and crossplay |first=Jonathan |last=Bolding |work=PC Gamer |date=15 September 2022 |accessdate=20 September 2022 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920174223/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-hits-game-pass-alongside-big-goldenloop-update-and-crossplay/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Dark Horse Comics released an artbook for ''Deathloop'' in August 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/art-of-deathloop-hardcover-book-dark-horse |title=The Art of Deathloop Hardcover Revealed by Dark Horse |first=Jesse |last=Schedeen |work=IGN |date=4 March 2022 |accessdate=15 August 2024 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801190617/https://www.ign.com/articles/art-of-deathloop-hardcover-book-dark-horse |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 87/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Deathloop for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209094919/https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br>PS5: 88/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Deathloop for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=23 February 2022 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201013448/https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>XSX: 89/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Deathloop for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=22 September 2022 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001134208/https://www.metacritic.com/game/deathloop/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |url-status=live }}</ref>
| OC = 91%<ref name="OCRev">{{cite web|url=https://opencritic.com/game/10993/deathloop|title=Deathloop reviews|work=OpenCritic|accessdate=3 November 2024|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912232036/https://opencritic.com/game/10993/deathloop|url-status=live}}</ref>
| EuroG = Essential<ref name="EuroGRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/deathloop-review|title=Deathloop review - not Arkane's most surprising game, but possibly its best|first=Edwin|last=Evans-Thirwell|work=Eurogamer|date=20 September 2022|accessdate=18 August 2024|archive-date=4 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804080755/https://www.eurogamer.net/deathloop-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="GIRev">{{cite magazine |last=Hester |first=Blake |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/deathloop/deathloop-review-the-joys-of-death-and-dying |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913160509/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/deathloop/deathloop-review-the-joys-of-death-and-dying |url-status=live |archive-date=13 September 2021 |title=Deathloop Review – The Joys Of Death And Dying |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=13 September 2021}}</ref>
| GSpot = 10/10<ref name="GSpotRev">{{cite web |last=Hussain |first=Tamoor |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/deathloop-review-all-you-need-is-kill/1900-6417729/ |title=Deathloop Review: All You Need Is Kill |website=GameSpot |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216170900/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/deathloop-review-all-you-need-is-kill/1900-6417729/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GRadarRev">{{cite web |last=West |first=Josh |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-review/ |title=Deathloop review - "You won't play anything else quite like it for a very long time" |website=GamesRadar |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220183936/https://www.gamesradar.com/deathloop-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGNRev">{{cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-review |title=Deathloop Review |website=IGN |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103213948/https://www.ign.com/articles/deathloop-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGUS = 89/100<ref name="PCGUSRev">{{cite web |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-review/ |title=Deathloop review |website=PC Gamer |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201083837/https://www.pcgamer.com/deathloop-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGN = 10/10<ref name="PCGN">{{cite web |last=Boudreau |first=Ian |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/review-pc |title=Deathloop review – time warp tour de force |website=PCGamesN |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229173649/https://www.pcgamesn.com/deathloop/review-pc |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PSQ = 8/10<ref name="PQRev">{{cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/deathloop |title=Deathloop Review (PS5) |website=Push Square |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229030437/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/deathloop |url-status=live }}</ref>
| VG247 = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="VG247Rev">{{cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=13 September 2021 |url=https://www.vg247.com/deathloop-review-a-thrilling-slick-adventure-and-arkanes-best-game-yet |title=Deathloop review: a thrilling, slick adventure - and Arkane's best game yet |website=VG247 |accessdate=13 September 2021 |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102140113/https://www.vg247.com/deathloop-review-a-thrilling-slick-adventure-and-arkanes-best-game-yet |url-status=live }}</ref>
| TG = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="TGRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/sep/15/deathloop-review-chaos-on-repeat|title=Deathloop review – chaos on repeat|first=Keith|last=Stuart|work=The Guardian|date=15 September 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105049/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/sep/15/deathloop-review-chaos-on-repeat|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Deathloop'' received "generally favorable reviews" from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS5"/><ref name="MCXSXS"/> 91% of critics recommended it, according to OpenCritic.<ref name="OCRev"/>

Edwin Evans-Thirwell from ''Eurogamer'' described ''Deathloop'' as one of the most enjoyable games Arkane had released; he noted its connection to the ''Dishonored'' series, and called ''Deathloop'' a significant refinement over its predecessor while also being an "accessible introduction to Arkane's grittier immersive sims".<ref name="EuroGRev"/> Writing for ''GameSpot'', Tamoor Hussain said "observation and dynamic thinking" are as important as combat in ''Deathloop'', and players are rewarded for carefully planning and understanding the system and rules. He also enjoyed a sense of progression because the ease of navigation and combat significantly increase as players gain more powers and become increasingly familiar with each location.<ref name="GSpotRev"/> Several critics said ''Deathloop'' is a very original game;<ref name="GRadarRev"/><ref name="IGNRev"/> Matt Purslow from ''IGN'' praised the developers for turning disparate-yet-interesting ideas into a cohesive package that is "fascinating unique", and integrating elements from games such as ''Dishonored'', ''Hitman'', ''[[Software:Outer Wilds|Outer Wilds]]'' and ''[[Software:Dark Souls|Dark Souls]]''.<ref name="IGNRev"/> Many critics noted the player's large arsenal of tools and powers were no longer shackled by ''Dishonored''{{'}}s morality system, meaning players can embrace action as a viable mean of progression, encouraging them to experiment with the systems, improvise and take risks.<ref name="EuroGRev"/><ref name="PCGUSRev"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/2021-in-review-how-deathloop-emboldened-this-boring-player-to-take-risks|title=2021 in review: How Deathloop emboldened this boring player to take risks|first=Vikki|last=Blake|work=Eurogamer|date=21 December 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094526/https://www.eurogamer.net/2021-in-review-how-deathloop-emboldened-this-boring-player-to-take-risks|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22702431/deathloop-dishonored-morality-choice-consequence-arkane-endings|title=Deathloop lets me play my way and get away consequence free|first=Ryan|last=Gilliam|work=Polygon|date=1 October 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094516/https://www.polygon.com/22702431/deathloop-dishonored-morality-choice-consequence-arkane-endings|url-status=live}}</ref>

The investigative gameplay also received a mixed reception. West noted the acquisition of knowledge in ''Deathloop'' is more important than any gun and power, and that the game has a novel structure in which its open-ended nature became more linear as players approach the end. He described it as a "fascinating twist" that keeps the experience dense and focused.<ref name="GRadarRev"/> Purslow also said the non-linear investigative gameplay is satisfying, and remarked players will constantly make "thrilling discoveries" as they recognize the causal relationship between their actions and in-game results.<ref name="IGNRev"/> Several critics found ''Deathloop'' too linear and guides players through the process of executing the Golden Loop.<ref name="PQRev"/><ref name="PolyRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22673773/deathloop-review-ps5-pc-steam-arkane-studios|title=Deathloop is one of the most incredible games I’ve ever played|first=Tauriq|last=Moosa|work=Polygon|date=15 September 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=8 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808070844/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22673773/deathloop-review-ps5-pc-steam-arkane-studios|url-status=live}}</ref> William Hughes, writing for ''The A.V. Club'',  was disappointed that it has "such a low opinion of the player's ability to do that mystery-solving on [their] own".<ref name="AVRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/we-re-not-mad-at-deathloop-just-a-little-disappointed-1847670674|title=We’re not mad at Deathloop—just a little disappointed|first=William|last=Hughes|work=The A.V. Club|date=14 September 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322142933/https://www.avclub.com/we-re-not-mad-at-deathloop-just-a-little-disappointed-1847670674|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics praised the multiplayer component for being tense and unpredictable.<ref name="EuroGRev"/><ref name="GIRev"/><ref name="GRadarRev"/><ref name="GSpotRev"/> Ian Boudreau from ''PCGamesN'' said the game rewards players' knowledge with the four locations with success.<ref name="PCGN"/> Gunplay, however, received polarized reviews; Hussein called it "satisfying" while West called it "sluggish".<ref name="GSpotRev"/> The artificial intelligence was also criticized.<ref name="PCGUSRev"/><ref name="PQRev"/><ref name="VG247Rev"/>

The art direction received acclaim. Hussein described ''Deathloop'' as a "fascinating mashup of styles and vibes", resulting in a striking art direction. He also praised the soundtrack for being "eclectic" and "raucous".<ref name="GSpotRev"/> Stuart also praised the visual design and the developers' attention to detail. He added Blackreef is a "theme-park dystopia" that paints a "glorious picture of a ruinous, elitist society and spectacle", compared with ''Dishonored''{{'}}s grim atmosphere.<ref name="TGRev"/> Purslow enjoyed the location design, adding they are "intricately detailed" and "dense with personality", and liked the way the time of day changes each location and that repeated playthroughs still evoke a constant sense of discovery.<ref name="IGNRev"/> Hughes said the four levels become repetitive as players reach the latter half, and added these levels failed to push the players to use their powers smartly, unlike those from ''Dishonored 2'', which continue introducing gameplay twists.<ref name="AVRev"/> Some critics liked the way conventional world-building tools such as in-game computer terminal chat logs and audio flies provide key information for players to progress.<ref name="VG247Rev"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/13/22671207/deathloop-review-ps5-pc|title=Deathloop is an intricate mystery that also happens to be an amazing action game|first=Andrew|last=Webster|work=[[The Verge]]|date=13 September 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718084203/https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/13/22671207/deathloop-review-ps5-pc|url-status=live}}</ref> 

''Deathloop''{{'s}} story received generally positive reviews. Blake Hester from ''Game Informer'' praised the story and writing, calling the interactions between Colt and Julianna entertaining and humorous, and described the two as his favourite protagonists of the year.<ref name="GIRev"/> Hussein also liked the writing and noted the two characters share a complicated relationship, and he praised the voice actors Kelly and Akagha for their performances.<ref name="GSpotRev"/> Croft described the two protagonists as charismatic and noted their interactions are "funny and consistently touching".<ref name="PQRev"/> Christopher Byrd from ''Washington Post'' enjoyed the "campy" tone, though he felt that the story failed to create any urgency to break the time loop as all characters, including Colt, seemed to be indifferent to being trapped in a time loop.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/24/deathloop-its-campy-mechanics-are-good-nothing-more-than-that/|title=‘Deathloop’: It’s campy and the mechanics are good, but nothing more than that|first=Christopher|last=Bryd|date=24 September 2021|accessdate=3 October 2024|work=Washington Post|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322142933/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/24/deathloop-its-campy-mechanics-are-good-nothing-more-than-that/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Purslow, Colt's personal storyline is not presented to players clearly enough, resulting in an abrupt ending.<ref name="IGNRev"/> West also said the story does not reach a meaningful conclusion.<ref name="GRadarRev"/> Some critics compared the story and themes to those of ''The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle'' (2018).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-outer-wilds-seven-deaths-evelyn-hardcastle|title=If you're excited about Deathloop and liked Outer Wilds, you should read The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle|first=Katherine|last=Castle|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|date=12 November 2021|accessdate=3 November 2024|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094519/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/deathloop-outer-wilds-seven-deaths-evelyn-hardcastle|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22686752/deathloop-7-deaths-of-evelyn-hardcastle-time-loop-murder-mystery|title=If you liked Deathloop, you should read The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle|first=Nicole|last=Clark|date=22 September 2023|accessdate=18 August 2024|work=Polygon|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817094516/https://www.polygon.com/22686752/deathloop-7-deaths-of-evelyn-hardcastle-time-loop-murder-mystery|url-status=live}}</ref> The revelation Colt is Julianna's father was controversial because the two have flirtatious interactions during the opening segments.<ref name="GDC"/>

=== Sales ===
In the UK, ''Deathloop'' was the best-selling retail game in its week of release, but it became the worst-performing Arkane game at launch because its boxed sales were 5.6% lower than those of ''[[Software:Prey (2017 video game)|Prey]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/deathloop-takes-no-1-in-dominant-week-for-ps5-uk-boxed-charts|title=Deathloop takes No.1 in dominant week for PS5|first=Christopher|last=Dring|work=Gameindustry.biz|date=21 September 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521175920/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/deathloop-takes-no-1-in-dominant-week-for-ps5-uk-boxed-charts|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the sixth-best-selling video game in September 2021 in the US according to the NPD Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/pc-gaming/september-2021-npd/|title=September 2021 NPD: Tales of Arise, Deathloop help set industry sales records|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|work=VentureBeat|date=18 October 2021|accessdate=15 August 2024|archive-date=18 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818105056/https://venturebeat.com/pc-gaming/september-2021-npd/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Deathloop'' was the 18th-most-downloaded game on the [[Finance:PlayStation Store|PlayStation Store]] for 2021 in the US and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|first=Justin|last=Massongill|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2022/01/12/playstation-stores-top-downloads-of-2021/|title=PlayStation lists the most downloaded games from its Store in 2021|website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|date=12 January 2022|accessdate=3 February 2022|archive-date=12 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112151550/https://blog.playstation.com/2022/01/12/playstation-stores-top-downloads-of-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Arkane stated it had reached five million players by February 2023.<ref>{{cite web|first=Justin|last=Carter|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-deathloop-i-has-looped-in-5-million-players|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224154837/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-deathloop-i-has-looped-in-5-million-players|title=Deathloop has looped in 5 million players|website=Game Developer|archivedate=24 February 2023|date=23 February 2023|accessdate=25 February 2023}}</ref>

=== Awards and accolades ===
''Edge'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Gavin |title=Nintendo First-Party Titles Miss Out On EDGE Magazine's GOTY 2021 List |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/12/nintendo-first-party-titles-miss-out-on-edge-magazines-goty-2021-list |website=Nintendo Life |date=31 December 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102114832/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/12/nintendo-first-party-titles-miss-out-on-edge-magazines-goty-2021-list |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Empire'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kamen |first1=Matt |title=The Best Games Of 2021 |url=https://www.empireonline.com/gaming/features/best-games-2021/ |website=Empire |date=14 December 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222134526/https://www.empireonline.com/gaming/features/best-games-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''GameSpot'',<ref>{{cite web |last1=Higham |first1=Michael |title=Game Of The Year 2021 - Deathloop |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2021-deathloop/1100-6499014/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=16 December 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216160809/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2021-deathloop/1100-6499014/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''GamesRadar+'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/why-deathloop-is-the-best-game-of-2021/|title=Why Deathloop is the best game of 2021|first=Josh|last=West|work=GamesRadar|date=17 December 2021|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107114440/https://www.gamesradar.com/why-deathloop-is-the-best-game-of-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''The Daily Telegraph''<ref>{{cite web|title=The 20 best video games of 2021|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/20-best-video-games-2021/|first=Tom|last=Hoggins|website=The Daily Telegraph|date=29 December 2021|access-date=21 March 2024|archive-date=21 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321155939/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/20-best-video-games-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> selected ''Deathloop'' as their Game of the Year in 2021.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ {{sronly|Awards and nominations}} 
|-
! scope="col" | Year 
! scope="col" | Award 
! scope="col" | Category 
! scope="col" | Result 
! scope="col" | {{Refh}}
|-
! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="19" | 2021
| rowspan="6"| Golden Joystick Awards 2021
| Best Multiplayer Game
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations/|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2021: see the full list of nominees and how to vote today|first=Ben|last=Tyrer|work=GamesRadar|date=19 October 2021|accessdate=8 December 2021|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122003720/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2021-nominations/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-final-fantasy-14-and-resi-village-win-big-at-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|title=PC, Final Fantasy 14 and Resi Village win big at Golden Joystick Awards 2021|first=Rich|last=Stanton|work=PC Gamer|date=28 November 2021|accessdate=8 December 2021|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615142134/https://www.pcgamer.com/pc-final-fantasy-14-and-resi-village-win-big-at-golden-joystick-awards-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Performer <small>(Jason Kelley as Colt Vahn)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Performer <small>(Ozioma Akagha as Juliana Blake)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| PlayStation Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Ultimate Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Critics Choice Award
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="9" | The Game Awards 2021
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="9" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch|title=The Game Awards 2021: Nominees, start times, and where to watch|first=Hayden|last=Hafford|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|date=7 December 2021|accessdate=8 December 2021|archive-date=10 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210004228/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Game Direction
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Narrative	
| {{nom}}
|-
|Best Art Direction
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Score and Music
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Audio Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Performance <small>(Jason Kelley as Colt Vahn)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Performance <small>(Ozioma Akagha as Juliana Blake)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Action Game
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="4"|2021 Titanium Awards
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/psychonauts-2-and-deathloop-gather-nominations-for-the-2021-titanium-awards/|title=Psychonauts 2 and Deathloop gather nominations for the 2021 Titanium Awards|first=David|last=Caballero|work=Gamereactor|date=2 December 2021|accessdate=5 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/psychonauts-2-gets-the-goty-titanium-award-at-fs-2021/|title=Psychonauts 2 gets the GOTY Titanium Award at F&S 2021
|first=David|last=Caballero|work=Gamereactor|date=12 December 2021|accessdate=5 February 2025}}</ref>
|-
| Best Game Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Narrative Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Art Direction
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="rowgroup" rowspan="59" | 2022
| The Steam Awards
| Most Innovative Gameplay
| {{won}}
| rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/steam-awards-2021-winners-announced/1100-6499284/|title=Steam Awards 2021 Winners Announced|last=Watts|first=Steve|work=GameSpot|date=3 January 2022|access-date=3 December 2024|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105064815/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/steam-awards-2021-winners-announced/1100-6499284/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| 11th New York Game Awards
| Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2022-winners-announced|title=New York Game Awards 2022 Winners Announced|first=Adele|last=Ankers-Range|work=IGN|date=2 February 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202203413/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2022-winners-announced|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game <small>(Ozioma Akagha as Juliana Blake)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="3"|2022 SXSW Gaming Awards
| Excellence in Animation, Art, & Visual Achievement
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/unpacking-sxsw-gaming-awards-2022-14600/|title=Unpacking wins Innovation Award at SXSW 2022|first=Leah|last=J. Williams|work=GamesHub|date=14 March 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=12 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912020523/https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/unpacking-sxsw-gaming-awards-2022-14600/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Excellence in Game Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Excellence in Narrative
| {{nom}}
|- 
| rowspan="6" | 22nd Game Developers Choice Awards
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="GDCA 2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-the-2022-game-developers-choice-awards-have-been-revealed/|title=Nominees for the 2022 Game Developers Choice Awards have been revealed|website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|date=11 January 2022|access-date=13 January 2022|first=Eric|last=Van Allen|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125035613/https://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-the-2022-game-developers-choice-awards-have-been-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GDCA 2022 wins">{{cite web|url=https://www.gdconf.com/news/inscryption-wins-game-year-gdca-2022|title='Inscryption' Wins Game of the Year at GDCA 2022|website=gdconf.com|date=23 March 2022|access-date=24 March 2022|author=staff|archive-date=24 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324043240/https://gdconf.com/news/inscryption-wins-game-year-gdca-2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Audio
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Innovation Award
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Narrative
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Visual Art
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="8" | 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards
| Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="DICEAwards 2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp|title=Congratulations to the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalists|website=[[Organization:Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|date=13 January 2022|access-date=14 January 2022|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113200957/https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Action Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction
| {{won}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Game Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Animation
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Character <small>(Colt Vahn)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="7"| Pégases Awards
| Best Game
| {{won}}
| rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public|title=The nominees|date=3 March 2022|accessdate=15 March 2022|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303182224/https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2022/03/10/jeux-video-la-ceremonie-des-pegases-recompense-deathloop-et-road-96_6116999_4408996.html|title=La cérémonie des Pégases récompense les jeux vidéo « Deathloop » et « Road 96 »|first=Pierre|last=Trouvé|date=10 March 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|work=Le Monde|archive-date=10 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310114242/https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2022/03/10/jeux-video-la-ceremonie-des-pegases-recompense-deathloop-et-road-96_6116999_4408996.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Artistic Design
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Sound Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Narrative Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Game Design
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Game Setting
| {{won}}
|-
| Audience Award
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="8"|18th British Academy Games Awards
| Best Game
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="8" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2022-nominations-announced|title=BAFTA Games Awards 2022 Nominations Announced|first=Matt|last=Purslow|work=IGN|date=3 March 2022|accessdate=6 March 2022|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414204320/https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2022-nominations-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/bafta-games-awards-2022-performance-nominees-1235112673/|title=BAFTA Games Awards: Performance Nominations Unveiled|first=Alex|last=Reitman|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=16 March 2022|accessdate=18 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317184003/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/bafta-games-awards-2022-performance-nominees-1235112673/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Audio Achievement
| {{nom}}
|-
| Game Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Music
| {{nom}}
|-
| Original Property
| {{nom}}
|-
| EE Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Performer in a Leading Role <small> (Jason Kelley as Colt Vahn) </small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Performer in a Leading Role <small> (Ozioma Akagha as Juliana Blake) </small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="5"|20th Game Audio Network Guild Awards
| Best New Original IP Audio
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/artisans/news/game-audio-network-guild-nominations-call-duty-vanguard-1235217787/|title=‘Call of Duty: Vanguard’ and ‘League of Legends’ Lead Game Audio Network Guild Nominations|first=Jazz|last=Tangcany|work=Variety|date=29 March 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329193712/https://variety.com/2022/artisans/news/game-audio-network-guild-nominations-call-duty-vanguard-1235217787/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/artisans/awards/game-audio-network-guild-awards-winners-2022-1235276995/|title=‘Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’ Dominates Game Audio Network Guild Awards (EXCLUSIVE)|first=Carson|last=Burton|work=Variety|date=25 May 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031171844/https://variety.com/2022/artisans/awards/game-audio-network-guild-awards-winners-2022-1235276995/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Original Song <small>( “Déjà Vu” by Sencit & FJØRA)</small>
| {{won}}
|-
| Music of the Year <small>(Tom Salta, Erich Talaba, Ross Tregenza)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Audio of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Game Audio Presentation Podcast or Broadcast <small>(Scoring AAA: Deathloop Edition by Tom Salta)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="6"| Develop:Star Awards 2022
| Best Game
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/finalists-for-develop-star-awards-2022-revealed|title=Deathloop leads nominations for Develop:Star Awards 2022|first=Danielle|last=Partis|work=Gameindustry.biz|date=17 May 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521174023/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/finalists-for-develop-star-awards-2022-revealed|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/here-are-the-winners-of-the-developstar-awards-2022/|title=Here are the winners of the Develop:Star Awards 2022|first=Vince|last=Pavey|work=MCVUK|date=15 July 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=1 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401172953/https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/here-are-the-winners-of-the-developstar-awards-2022/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Studio <small>(Arkane Studios)</small>
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Audio
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Game Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Narrative
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Original IP
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="13"|[[Organization:International Game Developers Association|2022 Global Industry Game Awards]] 
| 3D Environment Art
| {{won}}
| rowspan="13" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/deathloop-wins-big-at-2022-igda-global-industry-game-awards|title=Deathloop wins big at 2022 IGDA Global Industry Game Awards|first=Danielle|last=Partis|work=Gameindustry.biz|date=28 October 2022|accessdate=5 February 2025|archive-date=5 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805164050/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/deathloop-wins-big-at-2022-igda-global-industry-game-awards|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| UI Art
| {{won}}
|-
| Music Composition 
| {{won}}
|-
| Voice Acting
| {{won}}
|-
| Systems Design
| {{won}}
|-
| UI/UX
| {{won}}
|-
| Audio Technology 
| {{won}}
|-
| System Technology
| {{won}}
|-
| Marketing
| {{won}}
|-
| Production/Management
| {{won}}
|-
| Quality Assurance
| {{won}}
|-
| Research & Analytics 
| {{won}}
|-
| Representation
| {{won}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://bethesda.net/en/game/deathloop}}

{{Arkane Studios}}
{{Dishonored series}}

[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Deathloop}}