Quick Summary
- 1Square Enix has confirmed a new Life is Strange game will launch this year, with a full reveal scheduled for January 20.
- 2The upcoming title is widely expected to be titled Life is Strange: Reunion, featuring the return of original characters Max Caulfield and Chloe Price.
- 3The announcement follows recent leaks from the European ratings board and hints from developers about a troubled development cycle for the franchise.
- 4A teaser video and official stream link have been released, suggesting Square Enix aims to directly address fan concerns and separate confirmed facts from ongoing rumors.
Quick Summary
Publisher Square Enix has officially confirmed that the next installment in the acclaimed Life is Strange franchise will launch later this year. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation fueled by leaks and developer comments.
A full reveal is scheduled for next Tuesday, January 20, at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern, or 6pm UK time. The company has released a teaser video and an official stream link, signaling a move to take control of the narrative surrounding the game's development.
The Official Announcement
The publisher's confirmation puts an end to the uncertainty that has surrounded the franchise since the conclusion of the previous title. An official announcement for the project, widely expected to be titled Life is Strange: Reunion, will take place next Tuesday. A YouTube stream link is already available for the announcement, accompanied by the description: "Separate the real from the rumor... Join us for the exclusive reveal of the next Life is Strange game."
On Facebook, a brief teaser video shows what appears to be two characters walking by, their faces largely obscured. The second figure then turns their back fully to the camera, showing what looks to be a crow embroidered onto the back of their jacket. This visual detail has become a focal point for speculation regarding the return of fan-favorite characters.
"Separate the real from the rumor... Join us for the exclusive reveal of the next Life is Strange game."— Square Enix Official Announcement
Fan Speculation & Characters
Based on the teaser and the franchise's history, fans strongly suspect the two figures are the original duo: Max Caulfield and Chloe Price. Max returned after a long hiatus as the protagonist of the franchise's previous game, Life is Strange: Double Exposure. That title received a mixed reception from fans, particularly regarding its treatment of the pair's relationship.
Max's return in a subsequent sequel was explicitly promised at the conclusion of Double Exposure, making her appearance in this new project highly anticipated. However, exactly how this new game handles Chloe—and explains her presence depending on players' past choices—remains a mystery. The narrative approach to their reunion will be a critical factor for long-time fans of the series.
Context of Leaks & Development
The official confirmation follows a turbulent period for the franchise. Last week, the game's likely title and plot were leaked early by the European ratings board, stripping away the element of surprise. Additionally, a string of disgruntled leaks from developers pointed to a troubled development cycle for the franchise behind the scenes.
Against this backdrop, Square Enix's suggestion that fans should tune in to "separate the real from the rumor" feels like a direct acknowledgement of the series' current situation. The company appears to be attempting to reset the narrative and provide clarity to a fanbase that has been navigating conflicting information and uncertainty regarding the franchise's future direction.
Looking Ahead to the Reveal
With the reveal event scheduled for next week, the focus now shifts to what Square Enix has planned for the future of the series. The company hopes to move the franchise forward with a title that satisfies both new players and the dedicated core audience who have followed the story of Max and Chloe since the beginning.
The upcoming stream will likely provide the first concrete details regarding gameplay mechanics, narrative scope, and the specific release window for later in the year. Fans are eagerly awaiting whether the studio can deliver a cohesive story that honors the legacy of the characters while introducing fresh elements to the beloved universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Square Enix has scheduled the full reveal for Tuesday, January 20. The stream will go live at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern, and 6pm UK time. An official YouTube link has been provided for the event.
Fans widely expect the return of the original duo, Max Caulfield and Chloe Price. Max recently returned as the protagonist in Life is Strange: Double Exposure, and the teaser video hints at Chloe's presence through specific visual symbolism.
The announcement follows a series of leaks, including details from the European ratings board and reports of a troubled development cycle. Square Enix's messaging suggests a desire to clarify facts and separate confirmed information from ongoing rumors.
Publisher Square Enix has confirmed that the next Life is Strange game will launch sometime this year. The specific release date will likely be announced during the reveal event on January 20.
