COME PLAY WITH JASON

A new Friday the 13th game promises to maintain visual accuracy to satisfy the most hardcore slasher fan

A game that began as an homage to the Friday 13th films has become an officially endorsed product, with special FX legend Tom Savini now on board.

The slasher genre relies on its staples, producing many a Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees. Similarly, Friday the 13th: The Game isn’t the first to come out of the franchise, yet it’s looking to set a new standard for horror games.

It started out with modest intentions as Gun Studios began production on its homage to Camp Blood, called Summer Camp. Its nostalgic tribute caught the eye of producer-director-writer Sean S Cunningham, earning them the official franchise rights. “Sean helps us with making sure we are staying true to the movies,” says Shane Stoneman, lead artist at IllFonic, the development studio behind the game.

Its aesthetic is grounded in the 1980s, with each playable counsellor shaped as a classic 80s film trope. “The characters were modelled a little on the archetypes in the film,” says concept studio One Pixel Brush’s art director, Shaddy Safadi.

“We don’t have rights to the likenesses of the characters,” says co-creator Wes Keltner. “But we used some as starting points.” Since its successful Kickstarter campaign, the team has been busy pausing the films frame by frame to nail details. “We want to give the fans a true Friday the 13th experience, playing as both Jason and the counsellors,” says Wes.

Shane has a large task on his hands, bringing art from the concept team full circle to 3D – all the while ensuring he satisfies F13’s hardcore fanbase. “Pretty much everything we need for reference is right in the movies,” he says.

The final game will be motion captured and horror-movie special effects legend Tom Savini is on board. “Tom is known for his practical special effects and make-up,” says Wes. “That’s why I wanted him.” The veteran is aiding with the kill list, among other things. “I’m sure fans will be pleased with what he comes up with!”

For more information on IllFonic and the game visit www.illfonic.com.

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