Alfredo Tato | creative design - Backbone × Kojima

Backbone × Kojima Productions

─────

Marketing

This project represents a landmark creative collaboration between Backbone and Kojima Productions, the visionary studio led by acclaimed director Hideo Kojima. Renowned for reshaping narrative-driven gaming through Death Stranding, Kojima’s work blends cinematic depth with themes of philosophy, technology, and human connection. Backbone partnered with the studio to elevate its flagship mobile controller into two limited-edition collector artifacts, celebrating Death Stranding Director’s Cut and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach—the latter aligned with Kojima Productions’ 10th anniversary.

Overview — The collaboration resulted in two Backbone One limited-edition controllers, each aligned with a different chapter of the Death Stranding saga. The first was inspired by the original Death Stranding universe, while the second expanded on the visual language of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Both products were officially licensed and produced in limited quantities, positioning them as collectible objects as well as functional gaming hardware. My role included creating 3D models, renders, retouching, and animation for digital marketing, product pages, and launch campaigns.

Design Approach — The visual direction was driven by Kojima Productions’ unmistakable aesthetic language: restrained, utilitarian, and emotionally charged. The goal was to echo the themes of isolation, resilience, and connection that define Death Stranding, while remaining faithful to Backbone’s industrial design and product clarity. Every visual decision was informed by the idea of the controller as an extension of the game world. Close collaboration and careful interpretation of the source material ensured that the marketing assets felt authentic to Kojima’s vision and creative legacy overall.

A high-profile collaboration with Kojima Productions, led by legendary director Hideo Kojima, translating the Death Stranding universe into tangible marketing assets.

Visual Development — I developed detailed 3D models of the controllers and supporting elements, ensuring accuracy to the physical products and materials. Lighting and rendering were crafted to emphasize surface finishes, translucency, and plastic-to-metal details, creating a grounded, tactile feel that matched the tone of the franchise. Each final image was carefully retouched to achieve a cinematic polish consistent with Kojima Productions’ visual standards. These assets were designed to function seamlessly across web, social, and promotional contexts.

Outcome — Both limited-edition releases were met with strong anticipation and rapid sell-through, reinforcing the cultural impact of the Death Stranding brand and the strength of the Backbone partnership. The visuals played a central role in communicating the premium nature of the products and their connection to Kojima’s creative legacy. This project stands as an example of translating a highly respected director’s vision into physical form, using detailed visual craftsmanship to bridge gaming, design, and storytelling.

The campaign visuals achieved widespread online presence, appearing across social media and specialized digital publications within the gaming and design space.