Dead by Daylight Removes TheBurntPeanut’s Free DLC

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Behaviour Interactive has removed the free Dead by Daylight content awarded to Twitch streamer TheBurntPeanut following criticism of the giveaway and the developer’s handling of player concerns.

The content, which included access to DLC characters and perks, was granted during an October 30, 2026, livestream. The decision attracted criticism over the streamer’s previous conduct and the studio’s response to complaints.

Behaviour initially apologized on November 1 before publishing a more detailed statement on November 3. The developer confirmed that the gifted content had been removed and announced changes to its procedures for approving creator rewards.

The dispute has drawn mixed reactions, with some players supporting the removal and others questioning why the streamer lost content that an official account had already promised he could keep.

How Did the Dead by Daylight Controversy Start?

TheBurntPeanut, a Twitch streamer recognized for his animated peanut avatar and energetic commentary, was playing Dead by Daylight when members of Behaviour Interactive’s team noticed his broadcast.

According to the developer, employees saw a large audience watching someone who was new to the game. They viewed it as an opportunity to introduce Dead by Daylight to additional players.

During the livestream, the game’s official account granted TheBurntPeanut access to DLC characters, perks, and other in-game content.

Developers sometimes provide free content to streamers for promotional purposes. This can allow creators to explore a game’s features without purchasing every expansion individually.

However, the giveaway had not gone through Behaviour Interactive’s normal approval process.

The developer later acknowledged that the decision was made too quickly and without sufficient discussion among team members.

Why Did Players Object to the Giveaway?

Some players questioned the decision to provide extensive paid content to an established streamer while ordinary customers must purchase or unlock the same items.

Other objections concerned TheBurntPeanut’s previous broadcasts.

The streamer has faced criticism over offensive language, including a reported incident involving a slur during an earlier Escape from Tarkov stream. Some Dead by Daylight players argued that Behaviour should have reviewed his content before offering promotional support.

TheBurntPeanut’s supporters disputed the criticism and questioned whether the incident justified excluding him from promotional opportunities.

The discussion became more heated after a response from the game’s official account circulated online.

The Official Dead by Daylight Response Draws Further Criticism

During the livestream, TheBurntPeanut acknowledged that the giveaway might upset some players. He offered to return the rewards if the developer wanted to avoid negative attention.

Instead, the official Dead by Daylight account responded:

“WE CAN TAKE THE HEAT! THEY ARE YOURS TO KEEP.”

The message received criticism from players who believed it dismissed concerns about the giveaway.

Others interpreted the exchange as a casual interaction between a streamer and a developer representative rather than a formal endorsement of the streamer’s past behavior.

Behaviour Interactive subsequently acknowledged that its response had been inappropriate.

In its November 3 statement, the developer explained that the message had escalated the situation and failed to meet the standards expected from an official account.

The studio also recognized that the incident had affected members of its community, including content creators involved in discussions about the giveaway.

Behaviour Interactive Issues Two Public Apologies

Behaviour Interactive first addressed the controversy on November 1 through its DbD Pulse account on X.

The statement confirmed that a team member had awarded content and currency without the appropriate authorization.

The developer explained that promotional unlocks for creators discovering Dead by Daylight were not unusual. However, it acknowledged that this particular decision should have received further review.

Behaviour also criticized how concerns were handled during the broadcast.

The company apologized to players, confirmed that it was reviewing its internal procedures, and condemned threats directed toward employees.

Although the statement addressed the approval process, it did not explain whether TheBurntPeanut would retain the rewards.

That question was answered in a follow-up statement published on November 3.

Dead by Daylight Confirms the Free DLC Was Removed

In its second statement, Behaviour Interactive provided further details about how the giveaway had occurred.

The developer said its employees acted before completing the usual review of a potential creator collaboration.

According to the studio, those reviews normally include examining a creator’s previous content and considering whether a partnership would align with the community standards the company aims to maintain.

Behaviour acknowledged that this assessment had not been completed properly.

The developer also confirmed that it had already removed the content granted to TheBurntPeanut.

The decision reversed the assurance given during the original livestream.

Reports from Dexerto and Video Games Chronicle documented the November 3 announcement and the developer’s explanation.

What Changes Is Behaviour Interactive Making?

Alongside removing the rewards, Behaviour Interactive announced revisions to its policies for interacting with content creators.

The studio said it was rewriting its internal guidelines to establish clearer authority over promotional decisions.

These changes include reviewing creators’ previous conduct, updating the approval process for granting content and currency, and providing additional training to employees.

The developer also plans to clarify its expectations for communication through official accounts.

Behaviour acknowledged that its previous procedures did not provide sufficient safeguards to prevent one employee from granting rewards without wider approval.

Regarding the employees involved, the company said it was taking appropriate internal action but would not disclose details because personnel matters are confidential.

The developer has not publicly identified specific disciplinary measures.

How Has the Dead by Daylight Community Responded?

The response has been divided.

Some players welcomed Behaviour Interactive’s decision to remove the content. They argued that the original giveaway was poorly handled and that the developer should have considered concerns about the streamer’s previous conduct.

Others criticized the reversal.

Supporters of TheBurntPeanut noted that he had offered to return the content during the livestream and that the official account had explicitly told him he could keep it.

From that perspective, the original decision was made by Behaviour Interactive, not by the streamer.

The disagreement has also raised questions about how gaming companies select content creators for promotional opportunities.

Some players believe previous conduct should play an important role in those decisions. Others are concerned that developers may reverse promotional arrangements in response to online criticism.

Both positions have appeared in discussions following the company’s statements.

However, social media reactions do not necessarily represent the views of the entire Dead by Daylight player base.

Does This Affect DLC Owned by Other Players?

The announced removal concerns content granted to TheBurntPeanut during the livestream.

Behaviour Interactive has not announced a broader removal of DLC purchased or unlocked by other players as part of this incident.

There is also an important difference between removing promotional access granted to one account and removing content from the game itself.

The November 3 statement addressed the former.

Players who already own Dead by Daylight expansions should not interpret the announcement as a general change to their purchases.

What Happens Next for Dead by Daylight?

Behaviour Interactive has confirmed that the gifted content was removed and that its approval procedures are being revised.

The company has not publicly stated whether TheBurntPeanut will participate in future promotional activities involving the game.

It also remains unclear how the updated creator guidelines will operate once implemented.

Although the controversy has generated substantial discussion online, there is not enough evidence to establish whether it will have a lasting effect on the game’s player population or sales.

The developer’s future decisions will provide more information about how its revised procedures are applied.

Conclusion

The Dead by Daylight controversy began with an unapproved content giveaway and developed into a dispute over creator relationships, employee conduct, and community expectations.

Behaviour Interactive has acknowledged problems with its approval process and official communications. It has since removed TheBurntPeanut’s gifted content and announced changes intended to prevent similar situations.

Players remain divided over the decision, particularly regarding responsibility for the original giveaway and the subsequent removal.

For now, the confirmed outcome is that the rewards have been withdrawn and Behaviour Interactive is revising how it handles creator interactions.

For more Dead by Daylight updates, gaming news, and reviews, visit CyberD3m0n and subscribe to our newsletter to follow future coverage.

References

• Dead by Daylight Removes TheBurntPeanut’s Free DLC Following Backlash – Dexerto
• Dead by Daylight Studio Apologises Over Streamer DLC Giveaway – Video Games Chronicle
• Dead by Daylight Team Responds Following TheBurntPeanut Backlash – Dexerto
• Dead by Daylight Developer’s Initial Apology – Vice

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