Will Death Stranding Test the Market for Avant-Garde Narratives in Video Games?

Chris Mawson writes: "That Hideo Kojima makes games with 'weird' storyline probably comes as no shock to people familiar with his work. It might also help that a lot of this weirdness came through in one of the biggest video game franchises of all time, Metal Gear Solid. But one thing is certain: When it comes to Hideo Kojima and his work, practically no one stands in the undecided middle. And while he has legions of fans, he also has a lot of detractors. All of this brings me to the central question of this article, which is 'Will Death Stranding test the market viability for avant-garde video game narratives?'"

[gangsta_red]

Avant-Garde? Convoluted, strange and overblown with movie stars don't really count for avant-garde, but it is interesting to see the blinking baby flashlight at work. Definitely added to the ever growing Gamefly list if nothing else.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Until they show some compelling gameplay there isnt much reason for me to buy full price. Story may be weird and interesting, but not for $60. Show me some cool and engaging gameplay and I'm in.

[SyntheticForm]

While I certainly wouldn't write this game off (looks quite interesting) I wouldn't pop the champagne yet either. I still know too little, and have seen too little.

'Interesting with great graphics' are the highest praise I can give it at this juncture. To say that it's "another masterpiece" based on the little I've seen would be silly.

I can say with complete honesty that I'm looking forward to finding out more, but that's it. That's objective.

[StormSnooper]

Personally I’m glad we get games like these on PlayStation so overly entitled gamers can talk about how they aren’t convinced yet. At least it gives us something to talk about that is actually game related even though the discussions are usually derailed by fanboys trying to downplay, it’s still better than having nothing else to talk about.

I’m going to go on a limb here and say that this game will be well worth the wait. It’s looking extra unique for it to be bad, it has an interesting concept, and big budget behind it, which together may suggest someone along believes it’s worth the risk.

[DarXyde]

It's convoluted? How so? How much do you know about the story, gangsta_red? Sounds like you've drawn that conclusion because (a) Mads Mikkelsen doesn't get the story, (b) the trailers are secretive, and (c) Hideo Kojima.

"Strange" has such a negative connotation. It is interesting that you write it off as "strange" before "unique" or "intriguing".

I think the movie star thing is probably not great for budgetary reasons, but hey, games are big into their narratives now and, apparently, single player games can't do well without interesting narratives and quality acting.

And I love the "Definitely added to the ever growing Gamefly list if nothing else" remark. You're really saying, "I'll play it, maybe, but I'm not supporting the developers." Reminds me of the "I'll play it on PC" crowd, because you have to let people know that in hopes of rattling someone's chains.

Between the pessimistic language, "convoluted" designation, and passive aggressive commentary, it's quite clear that you have already made up your mind about Death Stranding.

Great! So we can look forward to not seeing you repeat yourself in future articles reporting on Death Stranding, right?

[UltraNova]

D-stroyed.

OT: Not everything needs to be a straight forward tried to death concept/story we played/seen 100 times so far. The more unique it is the better... and who are we kidding here its Kojima, the man knows how to make engaging gameplay. DS will be fine even if it will not be for everyone, thank God for that.

[TK-66]

"It's convoluted? How so? How much do you know about the story, gangsta_red? Sounds like you've drawn that conclusion"

Whats been the biggest factor in determining this game recieving media and fan coverage? It's made by Hideo Kojima, who in case you've not realised tends to make over convoluted narratives. Asserting this game will be convoluted is not an empty assertion when you know Kojimas track record.

"And I love the "Definitely added to the ever growing Gamefly list if nothing else" remark. You're really saying, 'I'll play it, maybe, but I'm not supporting the developers.'"

Woah I didnt know Cathy Newman was into gaming, lol! Sounds more like a 'I'm interested, but I'm in no rush to spend $60 at launch'. Do you have issues with people refusing to make a purchase they're not confident in?

"Great! So we can look forward to not seeing you repeat yourself in future articles reporting on Death Stranding, right?"

He said he'd be willing to rent it, and you interpret that as him not being interested in it? You're trying to put words in his mouth, and it comes across as dishonest. If you cant handle someone expressing their opinion in a comment section then you should stop visiting N4G. Maybe the internet altogether actually...

[DarXyde]

TK-66,

"Whats been the biggest factor in determining this game recieving media and fan coverage? It's made by Hideo Kojima, who in case you've not realised tends to make over convoluted narratives. Asserting this game will be convoluted is not an empty assertion when you know Kojimas track record."

Did I assert as much? That word doesn't mean what you think it does. I said that's what it sounds like, which is not the same thing. I should add that, if you REALLY knew Kojima's track record, you would understand that Snatcher and Policenauts aren't convoluted. Metal Gear is really as convoluted as it gets, and understandably so: the first 2 games and MGS 1-3 are pretty straightforward. 4 and V and the spinoff titles are where it gets a bit cumbersome. He's only wanted to step away from it since, like, forever. Death Stranding is a new universe. There is as much basis to say it IS convoluted as anyone else suggesting it is NOT.

"Woah I didnt know Cathy Newman was into gaming, lol! Sounds more like a 'I'm interested, but I'm in no rush to spend $60 at launch'. Do you have issues with people refusing to make a purchase they're not confident in?"

You conveniently ignore that I have outlined his framing of the issue: dismissive from the outset with no real intention of supporting the developers, according to his own statement. Obviously, skepticism is fine. But somewhere, in all of your pedantry toward me, you overlooked him clearly passing judgment on a game he knows very little about. And actually, while we're on the subject of track records, it's ironic you've nothing to say about gangsta_red's. I've not looked at yours-- frankly, I don't care.

"He said he'd be willing to rent it, and you interpret that as him not being interested in it? You're trying to put words in his mouth, and it comes across as dishonest."

Bless your heart. You're trying, albeit with poor outcomes. Tell me exactly where I said he's not interested in it. Please, quote me. I'd love an opportunity to make an example out of you. Amusingly, whatever you write back with will result in you putting words in my mouth. I openly speculate about his intentions because, y'know, track records and whatnot and if you're not seeing the context to his comment, I cannot help you understand.

"If you cant handle someone expressing their opinion in a comment section then you should stop visiting N4G. Maybe the internet altogether actually..."

Review my comment history. And you tell me if I struggle with people having different opinions. I'm a bit worried about your comprehension here because I don't try to silence anyone. Probably 95% of the time, I ignore gangsta_red's (or others with a tendency to troll's) comments, but occasionally, something profoundly dull witted gets said and I make a comment about it-- here we are now. I'd rather leave it there, but if you're intent on debating, go for it.

[TK-66]

@DarXyde

"Did I assert as much? That word doesn't mean what you think it does. I said that's what it sounds like, which is not the same thing"

I'm afraid this isn't about whether I can use a word correctly, but more can you read. I referenced Ganstas assertion. I never accused you of making one.

"You conveniently ignore that I have outlined his framing of the issue"

Your framing was dishonest. Telling you that your framing of his argument mis-characterized it completely is not conveniently ignoring anything.

"But somewhere, in all of your pedantry toward me, you overlooked him clearly passing judgment on a game he knows very little about"

His judgment is he'd like to rent it. Problem????

"Review my comment history. And you tell me if I struggle with people having different opinions."

Get yourself a fan club if you want people fawning over your comments <3

"I'm a bit worried about your comprehension"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[DarXyde]

"I'm afraid this isn't about whether I can use a word correctly, but more can you read. I referenced Ganstas assertion. I never accused you of making one."

K

"Your framing was dishonest. Telling you that your framing of his argument mis-characterized it completely is not conveniently ignoring anything"

No, it's pretty typical of gangsta_red. I'll let you white knight for him though.

"His judgment is he'd like to rent it. Problem????"

Now you're just being disingenuous. I don't believe for a moment that you believe that,
but fine. Not arguing. Downvote and move on.

"Get yourself a fan club if you want people fawning over your comments <3 "

People are pretty torn on my opinions, so even as a joke, that falls flat. Points for effort.

Well, my guy, this has been a righteous waste of both of our times. You do you.

[UnHoly_One]

Wow, is gamefly still a thing?

I honestly forgot all about it.

[FallenAngel1984]

It’s surely a test in how much attention a game can garner with a popular name attached to it rather than actually showing how interesting the game is by itself through previews

[itBourne]

.

[StormSnooper]

It’s possible. So far it seems very unique, and it’s expected from the people working on it. I’m definitely intrigued so I’m crossing my fingers that it will be great. It’s definitely not your everyday game.

[AK91]

Don't know about that, all I know is that gamers who are looking forward to this game are in for a treat.

[-Gespenst-]

Based on the most recent trailer, I don't think the game is going to be as weird as we initially thought. I mean it'll be weird in a sci-fi kind of way, but not in a surreal, trippy, dreamy way. Kojima's promotion for his games is always a lot weirder than the games themselves.

[coolbeans]

"Kojima's promotion for his games is always a lot weirder than the games themselves."

-Radio Call-

Col. Campbell: MGS2 would be disagree with you there.

-End Call- ;)

[harmny]

No. It isn't avant garde because it's not only mainstream but loved by critics and players

[AnubisG]

Well Death Stranding is unusual for sure. Still don't know what it is exactly but since the last trailer that showed some gameplay, I'm interested in it.

[SyntheticForm]

Yep.

[Hardiman]

Not sure about that but what I can tell ya is that come November, it's an easy day one for me. Love what I've seen so far and there's a lot of things(games, novels, movies, tv series) that some call strange that I enjoy so it's all good!

[masterfox]

Hideo Kojima game = insta-game buy.

[Exvalos]

Calling it now game of the year 2019

[TheOptimist]

I would agree if the game was Nier: Automata, Dark Souls, ICEY, Deus Ex, System Shock 1/2 or something, but definitely not this.

[Tross]

"Avant-garde narratives" have existed in videogames prior to Death Stranding. Kojima may be testing the waters with such a narrative in a mainstream title aimed at a Western audience though, but judging by pre-order numbers, there's reason to believe it will do well.

[smolinsk]

Absolutely not sold on this game, way too messy and lacking appeal..