Summary
The Casting of Frank Stoneis the first single-player entry set within theDead by Daylightuniverse, which looks to combine the series’ lore with co-developer Supermassive Games’ interactive story formula. The title follows a group of teens who attempt to secretly film a horror movie based on the legend of a local killer while trespassing in an abandoned steel mill. Likeprevious Supermassive titles, players' choices will steer the narrative, directly impacting who lives and who meets a grisly end. WhileThe Casting of Frank Stone’s unique elements set it up to deliver a compelling supernatural-horror narrative, its traditional setting could betray its scares.
The Casting of Frank Stoneis the result of a partnership betweenDbDdeveloper Behavior Interactive and Supermassive Games, adaptingDead by Daylight’s lore into an experience akin to theDark Pictures AnthologyandThe Quarry. The title’s group of survivors attempt to make a movie about Frank Stone, a legendary serial killer from their hometown of Cedar Hills’ past. Little do they know, the threat is very much alive, and the teens soon find themselves crossing paths with a host of threats both corporeal and supernatural. Where the title’s branching paths will lead remains to be seen, but its setting may give away some of the deadly encounters its survivors will face.
The Casting of Frank Stone’s Industrial Setting is Nothing New
The Casting of Frank Stonewill be a major departure fromDead by Daylight’s asymmetrical horror roots, replacing its PvP threats with life-or-death set pieces. Supermassive Games has mastered these scenarios over the years, with titles such asUntil DawnandThe Quarrydelivering truly horrifying ramifications for players' poor choices and QTE failures.The Casting of Frank Stoneappears set to follow suit, with its local serial killer and industrial setting offering plenty of grisly fates for its teen protagonists. Unfortunately, this commonplace setting also sets its biggest scares up to be highly predictable.
The Casting of Frank Stone’s Cedar Steel Mill is nothing new to the genre, with myriad films and games exploring the horrors and potential deaths found within abandoned steel or sawmills. Both Supermassive Games andDead by Daylightthemselves have featured these settings, withUntil Dawn’s shed setpiecemaking players direct a massive wood saw toward one of two characters, andDbD’s Ironworks of Misery forcing players to dodge a serial killer in a smelting factory.The Casting of Frank Stone’s steel mill setting seemingly leaves little room for surprise deaths or survival setpieces. However, the nature ofDead by Daylight’s universe may see the title’s setting subvert expectations.
The Casting of Frank Stone’s Setting May Subvert Expectations
WhileThe Casting of Frank Stone’s setting paves the way to predictable scares, the title could subvert expectations by playing into them. Beginning as atraditional slasher,The Casting of Frank Stonecould set up expected setpieces, only to fake the player out and move in a different direction. Given itsDead by Daylightfoundations, the title’s chief threat could be much more supernatural. Local serial killer Frank Stone’s legend could give way to a connection with the greaterDbDmythos, opening the door to endless supernatural threats, killers, and locations.
It remains to be seen what horrors await players inThe Casting of Frank Stone. The title’s industrial setting offers plenty of options, with its equipment andlurking serial killerposing a threat to each of the young filmmakers at its core.The Casting of Frank Stone’sdecision to play its setting straight or give way to a larger supernatural universe will make all the difference. Regardless,Dead by Daylightfans are in for an experience unlike any other, whenThe Casting of Frank Stonelaunches later this year.
Dead by Daylight
WHERE TO PLAY
Ever wished to play as one of the characters from your favorite horror movies? Dead by Daylight is a 1v4 multiplayer game that draws from all corners of the horror world from a powerful slasher to a terrifying paranormal entity.Choose between playing an unstoppable Killer and one of 4 Survivors trying to evade a gruesome death. Each character has their own deep progression system and plenty of unlockables that can be customized to fit your personal strategy. Work together to escape, or stalk and sacrifice every Survivor.This Edition of Dead by Daylight gives you access to a roster of 7 Killers (The Trapper, The Hillbilly, The Wraith, The Nurse, The Hag, The Huntress and The Doctor) and 9 Survivors (Meg Thomas, Claudette Morel, Jake Park, Dwight Fairfield, Ace Visconti, Nea Karlsson, Bill Overbeck, Feng Min and David King). It also includes two cosmetic add-ons packed with outfits for various characters.
