Frank Stone’s Casting Wasn’t Designed for Game of the Year Glory, But Its Underrated Approach to Crowd-Pleasing Collaborations Deserves More Recognition

As the leaves started changing colors this autumn, I found myself compiling a list of the top contenders for the 2024 Game of the Year. It was a mix of critically acclaimed titles I still hadn’t gotten around to and personal favorites I felt deserved more spotlight. Among these, “The Casting of Frank Stone” made it effortlessly into my top ten, more as a personal choice than a public favorite.

It’s no surprise to those who know me that this game would have an easy time getting on my list. I’ve always been a fan of Supermassive Games’ take on horror—where their work can usually be summed up in three words: “good,” “great,” or “amazing.” The only hiccup was the finale of “Little Hope,” but I found it easy to move past. While I haven’t sunk as many hours into “Dead by Daylight” as some, I’ve certainly spent quite a bit of time delving into its rich lore, which easily earns me a fan badge. Therefore, when I heard about a “Dead by Daylight” inspired story mode by Supermassive, it was an instant sell for me—no second thoughts needed.

Going in, my expectations weren’t sky-high. Just the thought of a “Dead by Daylight” narrative styled like “The Dark Pictures Anthology” was already enough to captivate me. “The Casting of Frank Stone” might not have made waves when it released on September 3rd (and yes, that’s my birthday too, though I assure you the coincidence only slightly biases me), but it certainly left a lasting impression on me. It may just rank among my top three Supermassive titles.

The game presents an engrossing and dark journey. It weaves the stories of five characters across three timelines, all linked by a series of gruesome murders in Cedar Hills, Oregon, and a low-budget student film inspired by those events. Trying to unravel the mystery keeps you engaged throughout the game, and with its moody atmosphere and varied choices, it’s a feast for lore enthusiasts.

If the game has any drawbacks, it’s that the ending hits hard with a narrative twist that will resonate best with those familiar with the broader “Dead by Daylight” universe. In my view, this isn’t a flaw; instead, it aligns with the game’s intent to captivate loyal fans of the franchise. Yet, I suspect this might explain why it quietly slipped away without much ado post-launch.

Yet, I can’t help but appreciate such collaborations in a world dominated by brand tie-ins and legal disputes. Watching studios come together based on shared creative vision rather than financial incentives is refreshing. This kind of artistic synergy is so rare these days that it almost feels nostalgic.

Even if “The Casting of Frank Stone” doesn’t appeal to everyone, I hope more developers take note of its formula. And if you’re someone whose top gaming picks are “Dead by Daylight” and “Until Dawn,” there’s a good chance this could be your Game of the Year—it came pretty close to being mine.