This Halloween season marks a significant event for horror fans as the iconic villain Jason Voorhees makes his unprecedented debut in both *Call of Duty* and *Fortnite*. This simultaneous introduction across two of the most popular gaming franchises is a remarkable moment for the slasher legend.
Following the unexpected conclusion of *Friday the 13th: The Game* several years ago due to legal complications, fans have been eagerly anticipating a new standalone title for the infamous Crystal Lake killer. Robbie Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror Inc., has confirmed that a new Jason Voorhees game is indeed in active development. While specific details about the project remain scarce, Barsamian recently spoke about Jason`s current guest appearances in *Call of Duty* and *Fortnite* and what they mean for the character`s future.
Jason`s simultaneous integration into *Fortnite*, known for its more lighthearted approach, and *Call of Duty*, which emphasizes mature themes, showcases two distinct reimaginings of the character. Both iterations feature a fresh design meticulously crafted by Greg Nicotero, a name widely recognized for his groundbreaking work on *The Walking Dead*.
Barsamian provided insights into the collaborative efforts between the Jason Universe team and the developers of both games, detailing how they ensured Jason`s authentic portrayal within each game`s unique setting, the conceptualization of his updated look, and what lies ahead for the enduring slasher icon.
Interview Highlights with Robbie Barsamian, Executive Vice President at Horror Inc.
Question: What influenced Greg Nicotero`s design for Jason, and are there any subtle details fans might overlook?
Answer: Barsamian explained that the design drew heavily from classic 80s *Friday the 13th* films, aiming to honor Jason`s legacy as a towering, terrifying icon. The goal was to refresh his look for modern narratives while retaining classic elements. Notable changes include reimagining the mask`s eyes for a more menacing appearance and reducing the holes to 13 as a subtle tribute to the franchise.
Question: How was Jason`s essence maintained while creating two distinct versions for *Call of Duty*`s mature tone and *Fortnite*`s lighter approach?
Answer: Barsamian expressed excitement for Jason`s dual debut, fulfilling long-standing fan requests during the franchise`s 45th anniversary. The teams focused on preserving Jason`s classic physicality and signature weapons like the machete and axe. However, they also adapted him for each game: in *Call of Duty*, he wields a gun and has a tactical combat skin, while *Fortnite* features fun emotes, back bling, and a non-bloody aesthetic. The aim was to offer an authentic yet contextually appropriate Jason experience in both titles.
Question: How popular is Jason Voorhees among younger audiences, especially the “TikTok generation,” and what do you hope new players discover about him through these crossovers?
Answer: Barsamian affirmed Jason`s enduring status as a pop culture icon, beloved across generations, citing impressive TikTok statistics: 5.5 billion views for #Fridaythe13th and #F13, and 3.7 billion for #JasonVoorhees. He noted that many players were introduced to Jason through the 2017 *Friday the 13th* game without prior movie exposure. The hope is that these crossovers will further engage younger audiences, encouraging them to explore Jason`s universe through gaming, upcoming TV series like *Crystal Lake*, films, and immersive events.
Question: Is it challenging to see Jason perform non-canonical actions like silly dances in these crossovers, or has the prevalence of such events made it easier to embrace?
Answer: Barsamian expressed enthusiasm for how players customize Jason in these collaborations. While the core design remains faithful to classic elements, he acknowledged players` desire for fun, especially given Jason`s first foray into such diverse gaming environments. He reassured fans that in his dedicated projects, Jason will always deliver an authentic experience centered on his Camp Crystal Lake legacy.
Question: Can you describe the creative process behind Jason`s tactical outfit in *Call of Duty*?
Answer: Barsamian lauded the *Call of Duty* team`s initial concept for the tactical outfit. The collaboration focused on retaining Jason`s distinct body and mask design while integrating the tactical gear and a recolored mask. The addition of a machete strapped to his back was a deliberate nod to his classic look. Both teams successfully aimed to blend Jason`s core essence with an aesthetic native to the *Call of Duty* universe.
Question: What inspired the gameplay elements for Jason, such as the `Slasher mode` in *Call of Duty* or his role as a boss in *Fortnite*?
Answer: Barsamian clarified that the inspiration wasn`t drawn from specific movie scenes but rather from ensuring Jason`s core essence as an unstoppable force was fully realized. He emphasized the importance of Jason feeling like a formidable presence in both games. Both *Call of Duty*`s Slasher Deathmatch and *Fortnite*`s Jason boss NPC successfully capture his nature in a manner appropriate to each game`s unique gameplay.
Question: What are your thoughts on modern gaming crossovers like *Fortnite* and *Call of Duty* bringing diverse characters, including Jason, together, compared to traditional horror mashups?
Answer: Barsamian expressed appreciation for the fan`s nostalgic memory of *Freddy vs. Jason*. He highlighted that while Jason has a history of genre-specific crossovers, contemporary game collaborations expand possibilities immensely. These events allow Jason to interact with characters in ways impossible in official movie settings, fulfilling fan fantasies across different backgrounds, which Barsamian considers a fantastic development.
Question: Can you provide an update on the development of a new standalone game for Jason Voorhees?
Answer: Barsamian affirmed the team`s shared desire for a new Jason Voorhees game, stating definitively that “Jason will be back in his own game” and encouraging fans to “stay tuned” for more information.