In the dark and twisted realm of Dead by Daylight, players have encountered numerous disturbing elements that perfectly fit the horror genre aesthetic. However, one particular add-on has sparked conversations within the community since its introduction - the infamous "VHS Porn" item for The Clown killer. As we move into 2025, this controversial add-on remains a talking point among players and parents alike.

The VHS Porn is a common add-on for The Clown's Afterpiece Tonic ability. Its description simply states: "An all time classic. You won't see things quite the same again." Originally classified as a Rare add-on, it was reclassified to Common in Patch 4.5.0, making it more accessible to players. The add-on's functionality has evolved through various patches, with its current iteration affecting Gas Cloud colors, essentially disguising them as one another to confuse survivors.

Some community members have questioned whether such explicit naming is necessary in a game that, while rated Mature 17+, might still be accessed by younger players. One player on the Steam forums asked developers to consider renaming the add-on, stating: "It really wouldn't hurt, would it? I'm not saying they should do what I'm asking. I'm just asking them to perhaps think about it?"

Community Reactions

The community's response to this concern has been mixed. Many players point out that Dead by Daylight is already an extremely violent game where killers bite survivors' throats and eat them alive, making the name of an add-on seem trivial by comparison.

One player responded: "I don't see the big deal behind an add-on into a M 17+ game named 'Porn VHS'. Sure the devs could have went another way, but come on, there is alot worst than for children eyes to witness inside this very game."

Others suggest that parental responsibility should be the focus rather than game censorship: "If parents are too sloppy or decide to expose their children to it, I believe it's on the parents."

The Lore Behind the VHS

Interestingly, some dedicated fans have developed theories about what might actually be on the Clown's VHS tape. One compelling theory connects to the timeline of the character and the technology.

The Clown, born in 1932, would have been in his mid-40s when VHS technology was invented in 1977. This coincides with the rise of certain adult film stars of the late 70s and 80s who became industry icons. As one forum user theorized: "The appeal is that [these performers] aren't what Hollywood would consider attractive at the time so people would insert themselves without feeling self-conscious with how they looked."

The theory continues that The Clown, being in his late 40s to early 50s during this era, would find this content relatable as "he could easily imagine an older guy like him being with someone much younger and more attractive."

Game Design Considerations

From a gameplay perspective, the VHS Porn add-on has undergone several changes. According to some players, it provides a 117% movement speed boost while reloading, making it potentially useful despite its controversial name.

The developers at Behaviour Interactive have not made any public statements about renaming this particular add-on, seemingly standing by their creative decisions within the context of their mature-rated game.

The Bigger Picture

The discussion around Dead by Daylight's VHS Porn add-on reflects broader societal questions about content in video games. Where should the line be drawn in mature-rated games? Is explicit violence more acceptable than sexual references? Who bears responsibility for what content minors access?

As we progress through 2025, these conversations continue to evolve alongside gaming culture. Dead by Daylight maintains its position as one of the most popular asymmetrical horror games on the market, complete with its mature themes and occasional controversial elements.

For now, the VHS Porn add-on remains in the game, a small but notable example of how game developers navigate the complex intersection of creative expression, player sensibilities, and broader social considerations in an increasingly connected gaming world.

Whether you find it problematic or perfectly fitting for The Clown's disturbed character, one thing remains certain - Dead by Daylight continues to push boundaries in the horror gaming genre, keeping players on the edge of their seats with both its gameplay and its content choices.