DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT News

2023 is flying! We’re at the end of July, which means it’s once again time to celebrate an incredible Porter in the DEATH STRANDING community. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Ramm Art, an unbelievably talented illustrator who came to our attention recently.

[h3]INTERVIEW WITH RAMM ART[/h3]

Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. Your DEATH STRANDING illustrations are fantastic! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what makes you a DEATH STRANDING super fan?

Thank you for inviting me. I am a self-taught artist and from an early age had a passion for video games, as well as the world of art and drawing. Growing up, I found myself immersed in the worlds created for games and became fascinated by the drawings and characters I encountered. My passion for video games and art continued to grow and I began to explore the possibilities of combining these two passions. I started to create my own art, inspired by my favorite games. (Starting with Hideo Kojima’s early games to DEATH STRANDING)



What is it about DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT that appealed to you as a gamer and an artist?

As a gamer, I was drawn to DEATH STRANDING’s unique narrative and gameplay, as well as the immersive world and inspiring themes around human connection. In addition to this, as an artist I was drawn to the setting, the characterization of the characters and the immersive soundtrack.



The amount of detail and care you put in your art is incredible. Could you talk us through your creative process?

During the first stage, I make simple pencil sketches of the drawing I want to make, limiting myself to the guiding lines and outlines of the basic shapes. Once the sketch is complete, I try to refine it by shaping it, adding details, colors and shading to create a more realistic and three-dimensional representation of the object or character. It usually takes me somewhere between 15 to 20 hours to complete an A3 drawing. My source of inspiration is always video games!



Do you have a favorite character to illustrate from DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT?

Yes - My favorite character to draw is obviously Sam Porter Bridges with his BB, which I find particularly interesting to illustrate, but all the other characters are also interesting! For example, the charismatic Die-Hardman, who I love madly for his mask!



Do you have any advice for Porters about to play DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT for the first time?

I advise new Porters to take their time. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT is a game that rewards patience and exploration. Take your time to explore the world and its mechanics. Don’t rush it! Embrace the narrative and get involved with the characters and the game world. Remember that DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT is a challenging but rewarding game that requires patience, determination and an open mind. Have fun and stay connected!







A big thank you to Ramm Art for taking part in our latest #DSPorterSpotlight. For previous community spotlights, head to:

https://505.games/DSPorterSpotlightTimeline

Ramm Art: https://twitter.com/Ramm__Art

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/DEATH_STRANDING_DIRECTORS_CUT/

Here at 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, we know the DEATH STRANDING community is special. It’s a global community filled with passionate Porters with a desire to share their enthusiasm for the game and connect with one another.

Over the last few years, we’ve spent a lot of time on social media and as a result, got to know some incredible DEATH STRANDING fans. These positive forces have been amazing cheerleaders for us and we’ve loved engaging with you all on an almost daily basis.

To celebrate our anniversary, we asked several fans what it is about this community that means so much to them. The responses we got were not only heart-warming, but a wonderful reminder of why we love doing what we do.

[h3]WHAT DOES THE DEATH STRANDING COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU?[/h3]

Ray Reynolds:

What does the DEATH STRANDING community mean to me? There’s an old Irish saying, “You’re only as strong as the end of the rope you’re holding” and I think that rings true for the DEATH STRANDING community. The virtual photographers, the artists, cosplayers, streamers, all the porters out there connecting the UCA are all strands of this rope, and when we’re together we’re all stronger. Even when we can’t see them, the strands are still there. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT is the rope that binds the community together, makes us stronger and keeps us connected.

dylsky_:

It defines what a community should be. It’s nothing but pure cooperation between players, and it takes many forms. Whether it’s answering a new player’s question on Reddit, or building a structure in game, not because “this bridge/rope/ladder will help me” but because “this will help all of us who are struggling up this path”. We need more communities like the DEATH STRANDING community.

SilentMab:

Sharing. We share our bridges, ziplines and timefall shelters, of course. But here, we also get to share tips, photos from photo mode, good laughs (from putting Sam in the worst possible situations… Sorry Sam!), pictures of our real life Porter encounters, BT hands, DEATH STRANDING-like landscapes, cosplays, art, etc… These little things make my days so much brighter, and the “loose connections” they create are such an integral part of the DEATH STRANDING experience to me.

ajla616-2:

To me, the DEATH STRANDING community is about positive affirmation. The game itself is a very difficult, solitary struggle that is remedied by being surrounded with encouragement from real people who understand your struggle and are going through the same thing. Where some communities are toxic to the point where you want to isolate yourself from them and not engage, DEATH STRANDING’s community does the opposite. This wholesome mentality is a core aspect of the gameplay loop and it has permeated into its real world communities. This is part of what makes it such a unique piece of art, especially within the context of its release date.

Trooperjay:

It helped me heal from a wound that was left open since 2017. Helped me accept what happened and I could finally open up about it with others. I do have to admit, I did have to put the game down several times because of the emotions that rushed back from that day but I carried on. Can’t really explain why this game had such an emotional impact on me but it did and I am in a better place for it now.

Krystine_Art:

The DEATH STRANDING community is wonderful. I’ve discovered people through this community who share their love for DEATH STRANDING with whom I’ve become friends with over time. I’ve also discovered other artists through this community. The passion for DEATH STRANDING along with art has brought us together to the point where we even create illustrations together for this game. The team always has the best ideas/opportunities for the community to express their love and passion for the game, like the #DSPorterSpotlight features. Thank you for making all this possible!

Lisa:

For me personally, the DEATH STRANDING community is the most positive and uplifting place to be in. If you love the game, that’s all that matters. DEATH STRANDING, along with this community has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people who love Kojima Productions as much as I do. (Some of these people have now become lifelong friends and that’s amazing!) It’s the best community in the world and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. If you haven’t played DEATH STRANDING, do it! Being part of the community and feeling like you have a place is everything.

BiggyStalone:

Co-operation! Seeing everyone help others with important structures and upgrades. Open minded-ness to hear others in the community to give their own points of view on certain aspects of the game. Always a super open dialogue!

NaVENOM:

I love the creative aspect of this community in terms of arts, screenshots, and videos, as well as the way the developer/publisher is connected to the community and supports its talents.

Ari:

The DEATH STRANDING community is one I feel very comfortable talking about. I love being able to voice my thoughts with others, without the fear of being criticized. The thing I love the most about the DEATH STRANDING community is seeing how much happiness and appreciation there is when we see Hideo Kojima engaging with our content on social media. It’s awesome and very satisfying to see the creator of that game you spend hours playing notice you. Also, as portrayed in DEATH STRANDING’s story, for those who are not very open with people, you can always create ‘bridges’ with others in this community, making you feel less alone.

wammes_:

I just love how the online aspect of DEATH STRANDING is all about helping each other out instead of competing with one another. It’s so wholesome to find a sign pointing you in the right direction, or a Zipline or Shelter placed at just the right spot. You really feel like you’re working together to help each other out. And it’s a good feeling when you put up a structure and see others have liked it.

Petting_Zoo_Justice:

I played the game towards the tail-end of the pandemic, and it was a very surreal experience because I felt the same way playing the game as I did during quarantine / lockdown. Playing a game where I’m alone and can’t see any other players but can see what they’ve created was a very lonely but heartwarming experience. To be able to connect with a community without interacting with them directly was a new but familiar feeling. Especially when the core elements of the game were working together to build something and to connect people together. To me DEATH STRANDING means a place where I can be alone with other people and work towards something bigger than myself while helping others along the way.

———–

These are just a few of the amazing responses we’ve had from our Porters. It’s been a joy to read through them all. To see more, head over to Reddit.

Let’s wrap up this blog by saying thank you for all you do! The support from this community never goes unnoticed and we appreciate you more than you realize.

Keep on keeping on!

On this day back in 2020, the team at 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS released DEATH STRANDING on PC. It’s hard to believe that was 3 years ago!

The last few years have reminded us of the importance of connections, a theme heavily portrayed in the world of DEATH STRANDING. Looking back, we’ve had a lot of fun with our community and connected in such a positive way through the power of social media and the Social Strand System in-game. For that, we want to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for playing your part in making this community so great.

Today, we want to celebrate you, our Porters. Whether you play on PC or on console, you’re all welcome here. Let’s take a moment to reflect and celebrate what makes this community so special.


[h3]COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS[/h3]

There’s a real sense of unity and connection in the DEATH STRANDING community, something we don’t take for granted. Whether it’s helping one another out in game through the Social Strand System, or across our community channels, the support you show us and one another is fantastic to see.

Without our community, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. We know what makes this place great, but we wanted to hear first hand from our Porters what makes it a safe and special place for them. The responses we received blew us away. Thank you for your incredibly heart-warming messages.

https://505.games/3YearsDSPCCommunity

[h3]REFLECTING ON GOOD TIMES[/h3]

From community AMAs, to cosplay celebrations and photo mode events, we’ve had some fun over the years with our Porters. Check out our updated interactive timeline here on our website and stay tuned for more community events in the future! We’ve got more community activities planned.

https://505.games/DSPCTimeline3Years

[h3]PORTERS, YOU CONTINUE TO DELIVER[/h3]

Last year, we released DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on PC and ever since, you’ve continued to deliver in game! We recently pulled some stats to highlight your amazing contribution, check them out below! Please, keep this going. It’s incredible to see how much of a positive impact you’ve had.



[h3]CAPTURING MEMORIES[/h3]

We’re continuously blown away by the talents of our Porters and we love nothing more than seeing you document your adventures using the photo mode tools in-game. Where we can, we will always try to acknowledge your efforts, but let us take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed in the virtual photography space over the last few years. We adore what you do and how far you push the tools given to you. Keep surprising us!

Take a look at some of our favourite DEATH STRANDING photo mode shots from over the years here:

https://deathstrandingpc.505games.com/en/photo-mode/

If you’re a virtual photographer who wants to see their work featured here on our website, submit your snaps here to be in with a chance: https://505games.com/uploads/

[h3]FORGING BONDS[/h3]

We’ve said it time and time again, but we appreciate this community more than words can express. Every single day, you brighten up our mentions with your creativity, kind words and support.

Let’s end this blog with one more thank you, from everyone at 505 Games and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. The last 3 years have been so much fun.

Got any memories you’d like to share? Tweet us using #3YearsDSPC

Keep on keeping on!


(Credit: Krystine_Art)

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/DEATH_STRANDING_DIRECTORS_CUT/

We’re almost halfway through 2023, which means we’re halfway through our #DSPorterSpotlight series! Over the last 6 months, we’ve celebrated some of the biggest DEATH STRANDING fans in the community and the response from other Porters has been wonderful. Thank you all so much for being the positive forces that you are!

In our latest article, we had a chat with Vincent Hult, an incredibly talented artist who caught our attention thanks to their stunning DEATH STRANDING character illustrations. Enjoy!

[h3]INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT HULT[/h3]

Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. Your DEATH STRANDING illustrations are fantastic! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what makes you a DEATH STRANDING super fan?

I’m Vincent, freelance illustrator and obsessive fan-artist when the mood strikes me. I’ve been living inside the DEATH STRANDING universe for the better part of 6 months now, being a bit of a newcomer to the game. At the time when I decided to start playing DEATH STRANDING, I was in the middle of rewatching The Walking Dead in anticipation of the spinoff series with Daryl Dixon. With Daryl being my favorite, I saw Norman Reedus as the main character and thought “might as well check it out.” DEATH STRANDING was my very first Hideo Kojima game, so I had no idea what to expect.



Do you have a favourite character to illustrate from DEATH STRANDING? (And what makes them so special to draw?)

I took my sweet time with DEATH STRANDING, not making it to chapter 8 until about 70 hours in. That’s where the character Heartman was introduced. I have a historic habit of latching onto very specific characters that I feel speaks to me, and this one had an incredibly potent presence. So it’s no UCA government secret that Heartman is my favorite. His hyper-logical approach to the Death Stranding and theories behind how things work really spoke to me, along with his comically tragic personality. The voice actor for the English version, Darren YeJacobs, really cemented the character’s personality for me in a unique way that made me both laugh and cry within the same scene. As someone who is also a two-time survivor of open heart surgery, Heartman’s weakened heart was a little cherry on top for me as well that I could somewhat relate to even if his condition is mostly fictional. I wanted to explore the character as deeply as possible, not only through art but also dabbling in some cosplay at home.



Can you give us a bit of an insight into how you go about creating your illustrations?

In a day I can knock out anywhere from 1-10 doodles, sometimes more. First I try to find out their defining facial traits. I had a lot of fun deconstructing Heartman’s face down to linework in the simplest form, mixing and matching proportions through art to see when it starts looking like how the character makes me feel when I view him. Sometimes it’s a strenuous process since I struggle with a lot of motor coordination in my everyday life, which makes my passions harder to fully satiate, but I’m also stubborn so I refuse to quit.

My favorite subject to draw when it comes to Heartman, is “downtime” often sprinkled with humor and interactions with other characters from Bridges. I’d love to watch Heartman attempt to mow a lawn or make dinner before his scheduled demise. When it comes to pure exploration of the shapes of the character, I enjoy drawing him from the side-angles mostly. Drawing him made me discover Heartman’s model, Nicolas Winding Refn, who was unknown to me previously. Heartman is more or less a collaboration of different people to create one character through various performances, being voice acting and motion capture. Upon researching Nicolas, I’m pretty sure they managed to sneak his essence into the character here and there through specific ways only fans from each side are able to recognize, like discovering a jar of candy hidden away in the back of your shelf.



How influential has social media been in getting your work noticed by the community?

I reside mostly on Twitter nowadays where connecting with anyone is relatively easier then other platforms as of right now. It’s always exciting for me to randomly check my phone to see someone who I admire having noticed my art in any way. Makes me just as exhilarated, every single time. I hope it’ll remain easy for people to connect with others like this in the future as well. It’s no secret that social media has had an impact on artists like me. I’m glad the people behind DEATH STRANDING take such good care of their fans & community.



Do you have any advice for new Porters about to play DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT for the first time?

If you’re curious about playing DEATH STRANDING for the first time, I’d absolutely go for the DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT version. It’s a unique experience that’ll challenge you in various ways, be it gameplay style or the lore of the universe itself. It’ll rattle your brain if you let it do its thing. This game took me on an intensely emotional journey that will stick with me for a very long time.



Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. Keep on keeping on!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850570/DEATH_STRANDING_DIRECTORS_CUT/

Porters, we have some exciting news to share with you all today!


[h3]TRAILER REVEAL[/h3]
The first trailer for HIDEO KOJIMA: CONNECTING WORLDS, (a documentary film about game creator Hideo Kojima), which is set to have its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, has been revealed!

Take a moment to check it out here:

https://youtu.be/AfjElfbj_mo

[h3]HIDEO KOJIMA: CONNECTING WORLDS [/h3]
Produced by Ben Hilton and directed and filmed by Glen Milner at Filmworks, HIDEO KOJIMA: CONNECTING WORLDS takes you on a journey into the creative mind of the most iconic video game creator in the world. Widely regarded as the first auteur of video games, this visually captivating documentary gives a rare insight into Hideo Kojima's creative process as he launches his own independent studio.



Featuring contributions from visionary artists such as Guillermo del Toro, Nicholas Winding Refn, Grimes, George Miller, Norman Reedus, Woodkid, Chvrches and many others, this thoughtful film explores the power and potential of video games as an art form through the work of an influential talent revered by millions worldwide.


[h3]TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL[/h3]
Set to take place at The Indeed Theatre at Spring Studios on Saturday June 17th at 5pm, Hideo Kojima will also be in attendance and take to the stage to share more information about the documentary. What's more, Hideo Kojima will also be holding an extended Q&A session!

[h3]MORE INFORMATION[/h3]
Want more information on the event?

Head to: https://tribecafilm.com/films/hideo-kojima-connecting-worlds-2023