In a surprise leak, a brand-new sequel in the Life Is Strange series has been discovered online, promising the return of one of the franchise's most beloved characters.
The PEGI Leak That Revealed Everything
The news emerged from the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) website, the official age ratings board for Europe. A listing for a game titled Life Is Strange: Reunion was briefly visible, describing a PlayStation 5 release dated for March 27, 2025. Industry observers quickly noted the year was likely a clerical error, with the intended date being March 27, 2026.
More crucially, the listing contained a story synopsis. It confirmed that the game will feature both Max Caulfield, the protagonist from the original game and 2024's Double Exposure, and her iconic best friend and potential love interest, Chloe Price. The description sets the scene at Caledon University, the location of Double Exposure, with Chloe arriving on campus haunted by nightmares, seeking Max's help to avert a deadly fire.
A Direct Response to Fan Criticism
The reappearance of Chloe Price is seen as a direct address to one of the major criticisms levelled at Life Is Strange: Double Exposure. That title omitted Chloe entirely due to the branching endings of the first game, a creative decision that left many fans disappointed.
Double Exposure was considered a commercial disappointment for publisher Square Enix, casting doubt on the series' future. The sudden emergence of a new sequel so soon is therefore unexpected. However, it aligns with previous rumours from an ex-Deck Nine employee, who claimed the studio was working on two Life Is Strange projects simultaneously, with a sequel to Double Exposure targeting a 2026 launch.
Uncertain Future for the Series and Studio
Despite the exciting leak for fans, the context surrounding this new game is fraught with uncertainty. The financial underperformance of Double Exposure and reports of layoffs at developer Deck Nine paint a challenging picture.
The lack of any official announcement from Square Enix, coupled with plans for a seemingly imminent release, is highly unusual. It suggests the publisher may be opting for a shorter marketing cycle, potentially to manage costs following the last game's performance.
While the PEGI listing has now been removed, its brief appearance has reignited the Life Is Strange community. The confirmed return of Chloe Price offers a powerful draw, but questions remain about the health of the studio and the franchise's long-term prospects under Square Enix.
