Nintendo’s influence in gaming is legendary, and now it’s turning up in one of the most unexpected places: the credits of the PlayStation 5-exclusive Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. As early access players begin exploring Hideo Kojima’s surreal, cinematic sequel, one detail has caught the attention of fans—Nintendo is officially credited in the game.
Why Nintendo Is in the Credits
As first reported by VGC, the credit is attributed to Nintendo Pictures, the animation and motion capture studio formerly known as Dynamo Pictures. Before being acquired by Nintendo in 2022, Dynamo Pictures had worked on the original Death Stranding, providing motion capture services for Kojima Productions.
Now, under its rebranded name, Nintendo Pictures has returned to contribute to Death Stranding 2—even though the company has primarily worked on Nintendo-exclusive projects since the acquisition.
A Bit of Gaming History in the Making
This crossover credit is more than just an industry footnote—it’s a rare example of Nintendo’s name appearing in a Sony-exclusive game, and a testament to how interconnected the gaming world can be behind the scenes. While Nintendo and Sony remain commercial rivals, shared creative resources and long-term commitments sometimes transcend console boundaries.
What It Means for Death Stranding 2
In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, players once again step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges, facing harsh elements and supernatural threats to reconnect a fractured world. The game also seeks to resolve the mystery of Lou, Sam’s BB from the first game. While Nintendo didn’t contribute to the game’s design or publishing, their studio’s motion capture work helped bring Kojima’s characters and surreal world to life.
Fan Reaction and Industry Insight
Gamers have taken to social media to express surprise and curiosity. Some speculate this opens the door for future collaborations—even if just behind the curtain. Others view it as a fascinating case study in how corporate mergers can ripple into unrelated ecosystems, with Nintendo Pictures honoring past work commitments despite shifting focus post-acquisition.
Nintendo being credited in a PS5-exclusive game like Death Stranding 2 is a rare, perhaps once-in-a-generation moment. It underscores how artistic collaborations can span across companies—even rivals—when passion and professional history are involved.
As the June 26 official launch of Death Stranding 2 approaches, this unlikely partnership is already adding another layer of intrigue to a game known for bending boundaries.