If you're a fan of narrative-driven games, you might remember Until Dawn, the critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusive that captivated players with its branching storylines and choice-based gameplay. Recently, a former narrative director for PlayStation has taken to social media to call attention to what she feels is an oversight in the treatment of creative contributions within the gaming industry. Kim MacAskill, through a petition highlighted by Eurogamer, is urging Sony to reconsider how they handle intellectual property (IP) credits, especially in adaptations across different media formats.

In her petition, MacAskill expresses frustration over the lack of acknowledgment given to the original creators of Until Dawn. While the film adaptation credits its directors and writers, there is no mention of the development team responsible for creating the iconic game. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the efforts of those who poured their creativity and passion into crafting such memorable experiences.

MacAskill elaborated further in a LinkedIn post, comparing Sony’s approach to that of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us. In that instance, both the studio and lead writer/director Neil Druckmann received proper credit, whereas Until Dawn seemingly does not extend similar courtesies. The narrative director noted that during her tenure at Sony, she was informed that being salaried meant she wouldn’t receive any form of royalty, control, or even basic acknowledgment for the IP she helped develop.

When querying about potential rights to her creations, she was told that while Sony understood her sentiment, the policy was firm and applied company-wide. Her request isn’t just about herself but aims to advocate for all game creators whose work inspires transmedia projects. By revising their policies, she argues, Sony could set a precedent that honors the original visionaries behind beloved IPs.

This movement comes amid reports suggesting that Until Dawn Remastered might be included in May 2025’s PlayStation Plus lineup. This move could serve as a promotional strategy tied to the recently released movie adaptation, though reviews have been mixed, with IGN awarding it a 5/10 rating.

Through her petition, MacAskill hopes to spark dialogue and encourage Sony to recognize the integral role played by developers in shaping successful franchises. By doing so, she believes they can foster greater respect and inspiration within the creative community, paving the way for future innovators.