It's fair to say the internet loves conspiracy theories. Whether a person believes in them or not, it's fun to imagine an intricate web of connections creating some larger sense of order. The latest conspiracy theory preoccupying the gaming world concerns an upcoming PS5 exclusive, Abandoned. The mystery surrounding this game is already reaching a tipping point as the trailer app was repeatedly delayed, and numerous theories have continued to circulate. The truth of Abandoned will be revealed in good time, and the trailer released today gives few answers, but to understand the significance of this conspiracy theory requires an analysis of why this game, in particular, prompted so much speculation.
Digital technology, in particular, has been a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, thanks to the ease of communicating and sharing information (or misinformation); however, in an age of increasing digital surveillance and heavy reliance on online data, not all of these theories are false. Now, it would be remiss to not mention the serious anti-semitic, racist, and prejudicial biases that inform a number of conspiracy theories; the gaming world has also had many scandals and controversies relating to these topics. Sometimes, though, a conspiracy theory arises that just communicates market demand and emphasizes what moments have been the most influential in gaming over the past few years. Examining why Abandoned attracted such interest elucidates the current relationship between gamers and game developers.
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As mentioned, conspiracy theories are not always completed unfounded or out of left field, and in the case of Abandoned, some big events over the past few years are informing the theories being circulated. The prevailing theory is that Abandoned is somehow linked to Hideo Kojima, Konami, or Konami games that Hideo Kojima has had a hand in.
Hideo Kojima is often referred to as gaming's answer to the auteur, a film theory wherein the director is the main creative source for a film and has their own unique and recognizable style. Film studies have evolved beyond using an auteur framework for film analysis, but the auteur theory had a huge impact on legitimizing film as a serious artform. The question of whether games can be art or not has been discussed to death, but Kojima's status as an auteur does help to legitimize gaming in this respect.
While Kojima's not the only game designer that could be described as an auteur, he is one already associated with conspiracy theories, big stunts, and intentional deception.
The events leading to the reveal of Metal Gear Solid 5, particularly the invented game developer Moby Dick Studios, have inspired the Abandoned theories. It would be revealed that the lead developer of Moby Dick Studios, Joakim Mogren, was really just Kojima in disguise. Abandoned is being released by Blue Box Studios, who despite being established in 2015 (the year Kojima left Konami), have not published a game yet. The demo for the canceled Silent Hills game was similarly shrouded in mystery, which, despite being seven years old, still captivates gamers and remains one of the scariest horror gaming experiences ever. With a trailer app for an indie title being odd, and some puzzling comments made by Blue Box, there are plenty of layers to this mystery.
So, essentially, Kojima has done it before, and the Abandoned reveal will answer whether he's done it again. This type of guerilla marketing isn't uncommon in gaming, and fans have dedicated an entire subreddit to figuring out what Abandoned and Blue Box Studios could really be. The danger inherent in Abandoned theories is the pressure it adds to Blue Box Studios, especially if they are just a studio trying to publish their first game.
The delay on the first Abandoned teaser potentially showed the cracks forming from this pressure, although some think that it may have been a promotional stunt in itself. When the app finally went live, fans could only see a short clip that offered little information. As with most conspiracy theories, there are plenty who consider it a complete farce, and if it is then Abandoned is having a very tumultuous release.
Further news is imminent, and so answers on Abandoned will soon be revealed. It seems very unlikely that it is a Kojima product at this point, but some are still holding onto hope. What's more important, though, is what this event represents for the gaming world, and how it shows the appeal of guerilla marketing more broadly. Whatever this game turns out to be, the theories that are currently circulating will remain a relevant indicator as to what gamers are hungry for and what they enjoy. The fact remains that conspiracy theories are exciting and generate buzz, even if there is potential for negative outcome.
Abandoned is currently in development for PS5.
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