TheScreamfranchise has not only referenced horror films since its first installment, but cemented itself as a mainstay of the horror genre. The franchise’s video game adaptations are no exception, withScreampopping up in mainline video game titles for several years.
Ghostface may be one of the most iconic serial killers in pop culture to date, but the long-faced slasher didn’t appear in a video game until 2011. This first appearance, aFruit Ninja-like mobile game, was a promotional tie-in forScream 4with which it shared a name. Ghostface has gone on to make a bigger splash in the video game world in the thirteen years since its humble origins, with notable appearances ingames likeDead by Daylight. Yet, 2024 may mark one of the biggest revitalizations of Ghostface in video games in recent memory.
Ghostface Slashes Up Opponents in Mortal Kombat 1
Along with Conan the Barbarian, T-1000, and Cyrax, Ghostface is included as a kombatant inMortal Kombat 1’s Kombat Pack 2. The killer’s addition marks the first time a slasher character has been one of the franchise’s kombatants sinceMortal Kombat X. This also marks Ghostface’s debut in the franchise, as the fourth slasher characterfollowing Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Leatherface.
Mortal Kombatis clearly no stranger to pop culture references within its character roster.Ghostface’s appearance inMortal Kombat 1is no oddity, and this inclusion could bring more interest not just in theScreamfranchise, but slashers returning to theMortal Kombatfranchise. The original voice of Ghostface, Roger L. Jackson, reprised his role for the game, showing NetherRealm Games’s dedication to invoking the franchise’s original spirit and catering to fans.
Ghostface Arrives in Hunt: Showdown 1896
Ghostface is popping in the DLC of other video games as well.Hunt: Showdown 1896introduced the Ghost Face Rampage DLCon October 24. The DLC comes thanks to a collaboration between Crytek and Fun World, the first time the game has done this kind of pop culture partnership.
to fit withHunt: Showdown 1896’s grimy historical aesthetic,Ghostface’s signature costumehas received some serious revamping. Rather than just the killer’s signature mask and long flowing robe, Ghostface now dons a hat similar to a cowboy or a park ranger, a utility belt featuring weapons, pants, and a wrap around his chest. Though some fans ofHunt: Showdown 1896have criticized Crytek for including an iconic fictional character like Ghostface in a video game with a historical setting, Ghostface’s makeover proves that the studio at least put effort into making the killer’s inclusion immersive.
Ghostface’s addition to these two video games could lead the way for the killer to be included in other fighting and first-person shooter games.Fortniteimmediately comes to mind, with spooky characters like Michael Myers, Edward Scissorhands, andvariousNightmare Before Christmascharactersall having skins in the game.
Further collaborations for theScreamfranchise could coincide with the next movie The next entry in the franchise is slated for July 27, 2025, though this date could easily be changed as the film is still in pre-production. WithRoger L. Jackson speculated to be in the newScreamfilm, the iconic voice of Ghostface could easily be featured in promotional tie-ins forScream 7, just like inMortal Kombat 1. Despite 2024 being a huge year for Ghostface appearances in video games, the next few could prove to be even moreScreamworthy.
Scream
The Scream movie and TV franchise began with the release of the first film in 1996. Directed by horror master Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, the deconstruction of slasher movies was an instant cultural, critical, and financial hit. Neve Campbell, who plays ongoing final girl Sidney Prescott, has become a horror icon in her own right, along with Ghostface, the only horror villain whose identity is always changing. Nearly three decades later, the Scream franchise shows no signs of slowing down.
