Edited By
James Lee
A remarkable showcase of community talent unfolded as fans submitted nearly 6,000 designs in Dead by Daylight's annual Design A Cosmetic Contest. Winning submissions are set to make their way into the game over the coming months, highlighting player enthusiasm and commitment.
Over the years, this beloved game has seen players passionately create cosmetic designs, and 2025 was no exception. Community members had the opportunity to vote on their favorite submissions, emphasizing how the game continually seeks to amplify player creativity. Winning designs range from unique Killer and Survivor outfits to engaging banners and badges.
Here's a brief rundown on the chosen winners:
Splinter Rose by Ath โ The Knight
Periwinkle the Jester by KahChen โ The Wraith
The Lingering Rancher by Trip โ The Deathslinger
DINER GIRL by maru โ The Legion (Susie)
Star Student by Lynn โ Feng Min
The Slayer by TinaBeans โ Kate Denson
Runway Ready by Blake Brewer โ Jane Romero
Weathered Trek by teethjarz โ Taurie Cain
Deadly Prize by Juno
Aching by Joybilance
Have you seen my dog? by hushiepup
Purrgatory by Squidsiclez
Raccoon Feast by Glossopho
"Failed Hunt" (Iโm Cooked) by Strawbewy
Artistโs Muse by DatWashi
Moonstone Maurice by DrawnByDragons
The Developer Pick for this year is the Gilded Baroness by Merelifluous, destined for The Houndmaster. This recognition highlights a design that resonated deeply within the development team.
"This showcases so much talent in our community," the developers noted, furthering their commitment to inclusion.
Fans are abuzz with positive energy. Comments centered around the joy of participation and recognition. One said, "It's refreshing to see the community get involved in the game's direction!"
Yet, another comment by a fan echoes concerns: "Letโs see if these designs stick to their roots when implemented."
Expect to see these designs integrated into Dead by Daylight in phases. Fans are eagerly anticipating a roadmap outlining when new cosmetics will appear in the game. Notably, anticipated changes aim to maintain consistency with character models and game lore, ensuring smooth transitions from concept to gameplay.
๐ 6,000 submissions from the community
๐ณ Player-voted winners showcased in future releases
๐ก Gilded Baroness named Developers' Pick
The creativity shown this year is a testament to the passion players hold for Dead by Daylight. As fans gear up for another year of submissions, the spotlight remains on these talents and the potential transformations in gameplay to come.
With the recent announcement of the winning designs in the Dead by Daylight contest, fans can expect an exciting rollout of these cosmetics throughout the upcoming months. There's a strong chance that high engagement from the community will lead to even more contests in the future, as developers prioritize player input. Experts estimate around 70% likelihood that these newly introduced designs will be integrated smoothly into the game, keeping character lore in focus. This careful approach will likely enhance player satisfaction, fostering a deeper connection between game mechanics and community creativity.
Drawing a parallel to the art scene of the 1960s, when artists began using pop culture elements in their works, one sees a similar excitement in today's gaming communities as they blend creativity with nostalgia. Just like Warholโs soup cans captured the essence of consumer culture, these cosmetic designs showcase the unique blend of identity and expression within the gaming world. Both movements highlight how communities can shape artโbe it through pixels or paintbrushesโreflecting the times while leaving a lasting impact as they redefine cultural expression.