Summary
Few figures in the gaming industry can get players’ pulses pumping with a trailer almost completely bereft of action, yetDeath Strandingcreator and gaming auteur Hideo Kojima managed to do just that when he showed offODat The Game Awards 2023. Rather than highlighting gameplay from the mysterious multimedia project, the shorttrailer for Kojima Productions’ODfocused on the astonishingly lifelike digital doppelgangers of some of the game’s star-studded cast. By putting the spotlight on the performances of his stars rather than the moment-to-moment gameplay of the upcoming title, Kojima is doubling down on a strength he used to great effect inDeath Stranding.
Appearances from mainstream actors in video games are far from an uncommon occurrence these days, with titles fromDead by Daylightto theheist gameCrime Boss: Rockay Cityattempting to cash in on their celebrity cameos. But few developers seem as focused on taking full advantage of their A-listers’ acting abilities, rather than just hoping a familiar face gets players to purchase a copy of their game, as Hideo Kojima. This willingness to let his performers do what they do best sets the celebrity appearances in Kojima’s games apart from their competitors and could prove to be one ofOD’s most appealing additions.
The Celebrity Cameos in Kojima’s Games are a Cut Above the Competition
What helps thecelebrity appearances in Hideo Kojima’s titlesstand above many of their contemporaries is the designer’s drive to present performances that rival those traditionally found in TV and movies. This focus on cinematic storytelling is largely driven by Kojima’s self-professed love of film, with the creator sharing his love of the art form in numerous interviews over the years. Armed with an understanding of how some of Hollywood’s best directors get award-winning performances from their stars, he attempts to recreate that same magic with his celebrity cast members.
After successfully enlistingThe Walking DeadstarNorman Reedus in his troupe of performers, first for the ultimately canceledSilent Hillsand laterDeath Stranding, Kojima appears to be tapping into this same strategy for the upcomingOD.
Even though only a few of its members have been revealed so far, thecast list for Kojima Productions’ODis already stacked with heavy hitters. With a mix of mainstream performers such asItandDungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thievesstar Sophia Lillis and iconic character actors like the always-intimidating Udo Kier, the star power behindODis undeniably impressive already.
The Terrifying Trailer for OD Bodes Well for the Finished Product
OD Will Require Actors to Immersive Players in Horror
The impressive acting ability ofthe stars ofODis on full display in the short trailer for the interactive experience. What begins with Lillis reciting what seems to be a children’s story quickly turns into something much more bizarre, with co-stars Hunter Schafer and Kier delivering an increasingly frenzied and unsettling rendition of the tale. The trailer comes to a terrifying close as Lillis delivers a bloodcurdling scream at the arrival of some unseen horror through the open door reflected in her eyes.
Though theODtrailer lasts little more than a minute, it does a great job of showcasing the acting abilities of the stars of the mysterious title. If Hideo Kojima can ensure that the quality of the actors’ in-game performances matches those in the trailer,ODis certain to deliver a terrifying experiencefor players.
By blending the latest technological advances with a focus on cinematic storytelling, Hideo Kojima has delivered some revolutionary experiences over the years. With its star-studded cast and a teaser trailer already more unsettling than many full-length horror titles,ODlooks to be the next step in the iconic creator’s artistic evolution and may prove to be his most impressive and immersive title yet.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
