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DEADLINE: What was the inkling of this video game idea?
Would you consider this an origin story?
The Casting of Frank Stone starring: Tobi Bakare, Lucy Griffiths, Andrew Wheildon-Dennis, Rebecca LaChance,Díana Bermudez,Idris Debrand,Andrew Krueger,Hannah Morrish and Matt MordakBehaviour Interactive / Supermassive Games
MATHIEU COTE:It wasnt an idea to do an origin story.
The subject came up during our conversations: Should we do an origin story?
Should we explore that?
The Entity inThe Casting of Frank StoneBehaviour Interactive / Supermassive Games
Should we venture to explain why The Entity is the way it is?
Why the trials are the way they are?
Should this whole game be set within the realm of The Entity?
Or should it be in the so-called real world?
These were all very early questions and we had great ideas on both sides.
There were really good ideas for a lot of possibilities.
We [also did] want people who knewDead by Daylight.
Can you talk more about adding this dimension instead of making it a more solitary experience?
Different people have different reactions to the events that occur, so I think thats interesting for us.
Its giving a variety of playable characters that will, hopefully, resonate.
TUFTE:Very good point, Mat [laughs].
DEADLINE: How did this partnership between the two studios come together?
What would you say was the timeframe from chatting about it to making it to release?
So, we sadly slunk back into our corner and forgot about it to a certain extent.
Then, it was just a matter of building the game.
COTE:We did discuss this in the beginning, Should we use the original killers?
Should we use the original survivors?
It could have been the case.
DEADLINE: Were there any specific story beats that you had to touch upon?
Were there any non-negotiables, such as the game having hooks and generators with the skill check mechanic?
So, some of those [stylistic choices] were easy things.
That was something we were really excited about.
Its not even a subtle nod toDead by Daylight; it is quite on the nose [laughs].
COTE:And I want to address the bit about non-negotiables.
Everything was on the table.
You didnt need to put all these things.
It was fun to squeeze as much as possible, but none of them were mandatory.
TUFTE:Behaviour [Interactive] was so supportive.
We were able to make their killers into adorable little dolls and put them into the game.
That was hugely refreshing for us as developers working in close collaboration with IP holders and publishers.
We got to do some cool stuff and then push it a bit further.
DEADLINE: Was there any specific inspiration that you all used forThe Casting of Frank Stone?
Were you all trapped in a room listening to Helter Skelter on repeat?
COTE:There wereso many things it would be hard to list.
And that was one of the key themes everybody latched onto.
TUFTE:There were many references viewed.
COTE:Thats the thing.
Its so dark [laughs].
TUFTE:Safe search has to be turned off to do this work [laughs].
DEADLINE: What were some of the unique challenges of creating this game?
It can be paced out and feels authentic to the players as theyre going through.
DEADLINE: OK, so we have to talk about a challenge I hadthis ending.
We have to talk about it.
So, I get it as a concept.
But it hurts that theres no escape for these people.
Can you talk about the decision to have such a sad ending?
COTE:Did you really expect a happy ending?
DEADLINE: I had hoped!
Then Sam has a path because of his character arc.
So theres a path for him who does not necessarily end up at the campfire.
COTE:The endings are meant to make you react.
Its the same inDead by Daylight.
Youre supposed to ask each other, Did you make it?
And they go, Yeah or No.
So, thats a wonderful feeling you have.
It worked [laughs].
DEADLINE: Is Jaime the baby that Frank Stone is trying to kill at the beginning of the game?
TUFTE:I am happy to confirm that Jaime is the baby.
DEADLINE: Lets get into some of these fan theories Ive seen online.
The biggest of them is: Is Chris a version of Augustine?
There seems to be some evidence to support this.
DEADLINE: Augustine is an interesting character.
However, in a cruel twist of fate, The Entity shows up and kills her despite her worship.
Should we feel bad for this lady?
Her plans straight-up backfired on her, but I dont think shes redeemable at all because shes evil.
How should players see Augustine?
COTE:Thats a gigantic philosophical and moral question.
Thats very beautiful and very deep.
And that doesnt mean you should probably agree with them or tolerate what they do.
But yeah, I think theres redemption.
Im an eternal optimist.
Id like to see the best in people.
But also, some people are way far gone.
So, Ill share mine.
And obviously, The Entity doesnt play.
It cant be manipulated.
So, for me, Augustine is the villain ofThe Casting of Frank Stone.
Its not Frank Stone nor The Entity.
Augustine is what caused all these horrible things to happen to this lovely group of people.
COTE:You could argue that Frank Stone is almost a victim, right?
He doesnt have much agency.
And as for The Entity, its never the villain.
If anything, thats because it cannot be comprehended.
You dont understand why it does what it does.
I think of it more as a digestive system than a malevolent thing.
Its a thing that exists and it does a specific thing.
Maybe it is super evil though, I dont know [laughs].
DEADLINE: What does a potential sequel game for this look like?
TUFTE:Id be lying if I said we hadnt thrown ideas around the table for sure.
But we havent talked with Behaviour about those ideas just yet.
COTE:I think everybody involved thought about this.
It would have to be a completely different thing.
It would be a completely different experience.
Doesnt mean Id have my way, but thats what I think we should do.
