'The Evil Within' IP was re-registered for "continued use" in August, 2020

The Evil Within 2
The Evil Within 2 (Image credit: Windows Central | Bethesda Softworks)

What you need to know

  • The Evil Within is a fantastic horror franchise from Tango Gameworks, which now exists under Microsoft's Xbox banner.
  • While the studio is currently publically working on the PS5's timed exclusive Ghostwire: Tokyo, fans still hope for The Evil Within 3.
  • Recently, it was brought to light that The Evil Within trademark was renewed by Zenimax Media on August 7, 2020 for "continued use."
  • While this isn't confirmation that The Evil Within 3 is actually planned, it does bring new hope to fans of the horror franchise.

One of the best horror games released in the last few years is undoubtedly The Evil Within 2, the second entry in the horror franchise from Tango Gameworks. Fans are still harboring hope for The Evil Within 3 at some point in the future, and a look at The Evil Within IP trademark at Trademarkia (thanks SomosXbox) gives players another reason to believe it's coming.

On August 7, 2020, Zenimax Media successfully re-registered The Evil Within IP with the United States government for "continued use." By itself, this doesn't really mean anything, but trademarks are often renewed or updated shortly before new products under the trademark are announced. Of course, nothing has been officially announced or confirmed so be careful to curb your expectations for now.

Tango Gameworks, the studio behind The Evil Within, is currently working on Ghostwire: Tokyo, a PS5 timed exclusive that will head to Xbox at some point in the future. Tango Gameworks likely has their hands full with Ghostwire: Tokyo, so if The Evil Within 3 is in the works, it'll probably still be a while before we see it.

The Evil Within IP is comfortably in Microsoft's grasp now thanks to Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax Media (which includes the studio Tango Gameworks), meaning The Evil Within 3 could be an Xbox and PC exclusive if it's planned. The Evil Within 2 is included in Xbox Game Pass and even benefits from Xbox FPS Boost for improved performance on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Hopefully, a continuation of this wonderful franchise with The Evil Within 3 is at least being considered by Xbox and Tango Gameworks.

The Evil Within 2 is already one of the best horror games for Xbox, and a future sequel could end up being one of the best Xbox games around.

Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.