The Casting of Frank Stone: A Unique Look at Filmmaking
The Casting of Frank Stone, which is highlighted in Game Informer this month, offers some fascinating insights into the upcoming horror game. Our visit to Behaviour Interactive’s studio in Montreal provided us with exclusive information about the game, particularly from Supermassive creative director Steve Goss. One of the most central and unique mechanics of the game is the Super 8mm camera.
Taking place in the Dead by Daylight universe, the story of the game unfolds in the summer of 1980 in the small town of Cedar Hills. It follows a group of teenagers who venture to an abandoned steel mill to shoot a horror movie connected to a murderer named Frank Stone. The Casting of Frank Stone stays true to the Supermassive style of gameplay, offering a cinematic, choice-driven horror experience where player decisions and quick button prompts determine the fate of characters. Fans of Supermassive’s previous titles like Until Dawn or The Dark Pictures Anthology can expect a similar experience, but with new mechanics like the camera.
The teenagers acquire the 8mm camera from the Curiosity Shop after their original Super 8 camera breaks. However, it becomes clear that this new camera is no ordinary device, and players will get to experience its unique features firsthand. Given the narrative’s focus on movie-making, Goss emphasizes the importance of allowing players to actively engage in filming scenes within the game.
While specific details about the camera’s gameplay remain under wraps, Goss hints at the camera’s functionality during gameplay. Players will have the ability to use the camera to film their surroundings in a first-person view, requiring them to wind the camera to record and reload it with film. The camera possesses magical qualities that aid in survival, such as revealing invisible enemies that can only be seen through the camera’s viewfinder. Additionally, Goss hints that players may encounter other cameras with evolving abilities as they progress through the game.
The camera serves as a crucial element in both the story and gameplay of The Casting of Frank Stone, acting as a focal point for the group of teens. While it brings them together through their shared creative endeavor, it also becomes a source of tension as they vie for leadership within the group.
Drawing inspiration from the 2011 film Super 8, The Casting of Frank Stone explores themes of youth creativity and collaboration amidst supernatural events. Goss references Steven Spielberg’s influence on both the movie and the game, highlighting the idea of individuals coming together to create something meaningful. The game’s emphasis on characters’ desire to express themselves creatively resonates with Goss’s own childhood experiences with filmmaking.
The Casting of Frank Stone is set to launch on September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. For more exclusive stories and videos about the game, visit our cover story hub by clicking the banner below.