Why Nintendo is Credited in the Credits for PS5 Exclusive Death Stranding 2
Unexpected Credit: Nintendo’s Involvement in Death Stranding 2
PlayStation 5 gamers who have already completed Death Stranding 2: On the Beach have noticed a surprising detail in the game’s credits: Nintendo. Specifically, the credits list Nintendo Pictures, the motion capture studio owned by Nintendo, which was rebranded in 2022 after being acquired from Dynamo Pictures.
The Significance of Nintendo Pictures’ Appearance in the Credits
This marks the first time Nintendo Pictures has been credited for contributing to a non-Nintendo title since its acquisition. As reported by industry sources, there’s a compelling reason behind this inclusion. The connection becomes clearer when examining the development timeline of Death Stranding 2.
Development Timeline and Nintendo Pictures’ Role
Development for Death Stranding 2 was already in progress around 2022, coinciding with Nintendo’s purchase of Dynamo Pictures (the previous name of Nintendo Pictures). The reveal trailer for the game, showcased at The Game Awards 2022, features scenes with Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux that appear to have been created with motion capture technology.
Why Was Nintendo Pictures Credited?
It’s likely that Nintendo Pictures, or Dynamo Pictures, was contracted to work on Death Stranding 2 before Nintendo acquired the studio. The company had previously contributed to the original Death Stranding, so Sony may have retained their services early in the development process. This ongoing collaboration explains why their contribution is officially recognized in the credits.
What Did Nintendo Pictures Contribute?
Employees from Nintendo Pictures involved in the project include a motion capture director, several motion capture editors, coordinators, and an advisor. Their work was essential in creating the realistic character animations seen in the game.
What’s Next for Nintendo Pictures?
Since the acquisition, Nintendo Pictures has primarily focused on Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Pikmin 4, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It remains to be seen whether the studio will undertake additional non-Nintendo projects in the future or continue exclusively supporting Nintendo titles.
Getting Started with Death Stranding 2
If you’re about to dive into Death Stranding 2, IGN has some tips to help you get started. For example, there’s a fun Easter egg hidden early in the game that’s safe to try, even if it seems a bit risky. Our comprehensive Death Stranding 2: On the Beach guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the main story, with checklists to track your progress, along with guides for Sub-Orders, Standard Orders, and Aid Requests — plus plenty of secrets and a cheat code.
Helpful Tips for New Players
- Learn what to do first to set a strong foundation.
- Discover effective survival tactics in combat.
- Strategies for overcoming the game’s most challenging difficulty, Brutal mode.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, these tips can enhance your gameplay experience and help you navigate the complex world of Death Stranding 2.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach him via email or follow him on social media for the latest updates.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.