As Halloween approaches, the digital battlegrounds of Call of Duty and Fortnite are once again welcoming iconic figures, and this year brings a unique treat: Jason Voorhees, the infamous slasher from ‘Friday the 13th,’ is making his debut in both major titles simultaneously.
After the previous Friday the 13th: The Game faced an untimely shutdown due to legal issues, fans have been eagerly awaiting Jason’s return to his own standalone title. Horror Inc. Executive Vice President Robbie Barsamian confirmed that a new game is indeed in the works. In an exclusive interview, Barsamian discussed Jason’s recent appearances in other popular games and hinted at what’s next for the horror icon, even as specific details about his solo project remain under wraps.
Interestingly, Jason has been reimagined in two distinct ways for these crossovers, reflecting the different tones of Fortnite (lighter, more whimsical) and Call of Duty (grittier, more mature). Both versions showcase the towering killer’s dual nature, unified by a fresh design spearheaded by Greg Nicotero, known for his work on ‘The Walking Dead.’
Dive into the full interview with Barsamian to learn how the Jason Universe team collaborated to adapt the slasher to each game’s unique environment, the creative process behind his updated look, and exciting prospects for the character’s future.
Question: Regarding Greg Nicotero’s reimagined Jason, he appears strikingly loyal to the iconic image we’ve held for decades. Could you elaborate on the key creative choices that shaped his design, and are there subtle details we might overlook initially?
Answer: Our starting point with Greg Nicotero was the classic Jason from the 1980s films. We aimed to create a design that honored his legacy as one of the most iconic, towering (over 6’5″!), and terrifying human villains, while also giving him a fresh look for contemporary storytelling. Noteworthy changes include re-envisioning the mask’s eyes to be more menacing and playfully reducing the mask’s holes to 13.
Question: His simultaneous debut in Call of Duty and Fortnite is exciting due to their massive reach, but these games offer starkly different portrayals – a more violent Jason in Call of Duty versus a playful one in Fortnite, complete with a canoeing emote. How was Jason’s core identity adapted to fit these contrasting platforms?
Answer: We’re absolutely thrilled about Jason entering both Call of Duty and Fortnite this Halloween, especially as it fulfills a long-standing fan request during our 45th anniversary! Our goal was to provide an authentic Jason experience within each game’s context. We collaborated closely with both development teams to maintain his classic physicality, imposing stature, and signature weapons like the machete and axe. However, we also reimagined him to suit each world: in Call of Duty, he sports an exclusive tactical combat skin and, uniquely, wields a gun (something unprecedented for him in films), while Fortnite features fun emotes, back bling, and a non-gory aesthetic. We believe players will genuinely enjoy experiencing Jason in both these distinct interpretations.
Question: Despite being a horror legend, Jason has been less prominent recently. How well known is he among younger audiences, particularly the ‘TikTok generation’? What do you hope new players discover about him through these collaborations?
Answer: Jason remains a true pop culture icon, beloved across generations even 45 years on. The TikTok phenomenon proves his enduring appeal, with billions of views for #Fridaythe13th and #JasonVoorhees content. Younger audiences have embraced him in new ways; for instance, the 2017 Friday the 13th game introduced nearly 15 million players to Jason, many of whom hadn’t seen the original films. We’re confident these crossovers will further connect the TikTok generation with Jason, whether it’s through gaming, upcoming TV series like ‘Crystal Lake’ on Peacock, films, or immersive events like Halloween Horror Nights.
Question: Is it challenging to reconcile Jason’s formidable persona with the inclusion of lighthearted elements like silly dances and emotes in these games? Does it require a shift in perspective, or have crossovers made this integration more seamless? How prepared are you for the possibility of seeing Jason sporting trendy sneakers and singing pop hits?
Answer: We eagerly anticipate how players will personalize Jason within these collaborations. While we ensured his core design adheres to classic Jason elements, we understand that players want to enjoy themselves, especially since this marks his first venture into such diverse gaming environments. For his dedicated projects and original universe, we remain fully committed to delivering an authentic experience that honors his Camp Crystal Lake legacy.
Question: The tactical outfit for Jason in Call of Duty is a fantastic example of adapting the character to a platform. Can you describe the collaborative creative process between the Jason Universe team and the Call of Duty team for such a unique crossover?
Answer: We were immediately impressed by the tactical outfit concept from the Call of Duty team’s initial sketches! Our approach was to preserve Jason’s iconic body and mask design, then integrate the tactical gear and a re-colored mask over it. The machete strapped to his back was a delightful homage to his classic look. Both teams worked diligently to maintain Jason’s essence while envisioning his natural fit within the Call of Duty universe, and we believe the outcome is perfect.
Question: For gameplay elements like Call of Duty’s Slasher mode or Jason’s role as a boss NPC in Fortnite, did you draw inspiration from particular movie scenes or specific moments?
Answer: Our focus wasn’t on recreating specific movie moments, but rather on ensuring Jason’s fundamental essence was authentically captured. Given his formidable presence in the films, it was crucial that he felt equally powerful within the games. Both the Slasher Deathmatch and the Jason boss in Fortnite successfully embody this ‘force of nature’ quality, feeling distinct yet perfectly integrated into each title’s gameplay.
Question: Recalling the thrill of seeing ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ as a teenager, it’s fascinating to see modern games like Fortnite and Call of Duty offer ongoing horror mashups, with Jason now alongside many other iconic slashers. What are your feelings about fans experiencing these diverse crossovers?
Answer: It’s fantastic to hear that! As you noted, Jason has a history of iconic crossovers, like with Freddy, where characters inhabit a shared horror genre. These new collaborations, however, significantly broaden the scope, allowing Jason to interact with characters in scenarios impossible in official films. This offers fans from all walks of life a unique opportunity to see their dream mashups come to life, which I personally find absolutely wonderful!
Question: Many Jason Voorhees fans are eagerly anticipating his return to a dedicated game. Can you offer any updates on this front?
Answer: We share that excitement! Jason will indeed star in his own game once more. Keep an eye out for future announcements!
