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Entertainment • Video Game

Dead Space

Dead Space is a science fiction survival horror video game franchise published by Electronic Arts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dead Space is a science fiction survival horror video game franchise published by Electronic Arts. It began with the 2008 game *Dead Space*, which follows engineer Isaac Clarke aboard the mining ship USG *Ishimura* as he faces the Necromorph outbreak. The franchise also includes sequels, spin-off media, and a 2023 remake of the original game. The franchise is published by Electronic Arts, which has a significant presence in the Canadian video game market, making it familiar to Canadian players.

Premise

The series is set in a futuristic universe and follows characters confronting Necromorphs, creatures linked to the alien Marker. The story often blends survival horror with science-fiction themes and psychological horror.

Games

The franchise began with *Dead Space* in 2008, followed by *Dead Space 2* in 2011 and *Dead Space 3* in 2013. A remake of the first game was released in 2023.

Story elements

Recurring elements include the mining ship USG *Ishimura*, the Marker, the Unitology cult, and EarthGov. These elements connect the games and related media through a broader continuity.

Beyond video games, *Dead Space* includes comic books, novels, and animated films. These works expand the series backstory and explore events surrounding the main games.

Key facts

  • The franchise centers on engineer Isaac Clarke and the fictional Necromorph threat aboard deep-space settings.
  • The original *Dead Space* was released in 2008 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows.
  • The series was developed primarily by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts.
  • Its story includes the cult religion Unitology, the Marker artifact, and EarthGov.
  • The franchise expanded into sequels, comic books, novels, and animated films.
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Canadian context

Electronic Arts is a major publisher with a significant presence in the Canadian video game market, so the franchise is familiar to Canadian players and relevant to Canadian gaming coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dead Space?
Dead Space is a science fiction survival horror video game franchise published by Electronic Arts.
Who created Dead Space?
The franchise is credited to Glen Schofield and was developed primarily by Visceral Games.
Who is the main character?
The central protagonist is engineer Isaac Clarke.
What is the original Dead Space game?
*Dead Space* (2008) is the first game in the series and the franchise’s debut release.
Was Dead Space remade?
Yes. A remake of the original game was released in 2023.
What media are part of the franchise?
The franchise includes video games, comic books, novels, and animated films.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Space
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, publisher, setting, and related media.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Space_(2008_video_game)
    Supports: Original game's release year, platforms, protagonist, Necromorphs, and franchise foundation.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Space_(2023_video_game)
    Supports: 2023 remake, developer, publisher, platforms, and relation to the original game.