The world of video game marketing is full of expensive clothing meant to help fans rep their favorite series. A recent high-profile set of game-related merchandise that hit the Internet was a Levi's Super Mario collection that was delayed for the Americas due to complications with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding has a jaw-droppingly expensive jacket available only in Japan, made by German clothing brand Acronym, that managed to sell out almost immediately.
The jacket replicates the look of Death Stranding protagonist Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, right down to removable accessories including a model of the yellow baby pod. It's a variant of Acronym's J1A-GT model jacket that was developed alongside Kojima Productions and Japanese artist Yoji Shinkawa — known for his work on Kojima's Metal Gear franchise. It also costs ￥192,500 on the Kojima Productions store, which translates to about $1,800.
While many will gawk at this price point, it apparently did not deter Death Stranding fans. The jacket is already sold out on Acronym's website, and on the Kojima Productions store, it's indicated that shipments will be made in May. Each customer was only allowed to buy one jacket, but according to IGN, there are reservations being taken for another shipment sometime in the future.
According to Acronym, the J1A-GT jacket is a reimagining of the first product made by the designer, and is "the very idea of ACRONYM rendered in physical, wearable form." It's certainly the kind of brand that sounds right up the alley of an auteur game designer like Kojima, whose long history at Konami and transition into a self-owned production company led to him receiving The Fellowship at the 2020 BAFTA Games Awards.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic may not have stopped fans of Death Stranding from buying its expensive jacket, but it has had an effect on the game itself. Earlier today, 505 Games and Kojima Productions announced that the PC port of Death Stranding is pushed to July 14, more than a month from its original release date, because of Japan being on national lockdown.
Ironically, the breakout first title for Kojima's new production studio has been cited as almost prophetic given its focus on connecting a world that has been isolated by an almost supernatural force. The design of Bridge's outfit has even come into real life as a Chinese cosplayer made a baby pod inspired by the game to protect his child.
Death Stranding is out now for the PS4 with a PC version releasing on July 14, 2020.
Sources: Acronym, Kojima Productions Store, IGN