The eagerly-anticipated crossover event with Slipknot and leading MOBA gaming giant SMITE has officially arrived. Working with championed gaming publisher Hi-Rez Studios, Slipknot are now featured as playable characters within SMITE ancient mythological universe.
Players will be able to become the masked nine of Slipknot via character models, or skins. The hands-on designing effort saw gaming developers work in tandem with the band for an unparalleled degree of authenticity that bridges the worlds of both entities.
In addition to players being able to select which member of Slipknot will take up the sword, the event is the largest Music Theme in SMITE's near decade of online-gaming domination. Featuring “Duality,” “Psychosocial” and “The Devil In I,” the three anthemic Slipknot cuts will synchronize with players’ in-game actions. Programmed and reconfigured by SMITE’s Audio Lead, Kellen Malone, the songs’ dynamic, real-time playback breaks new ground in the SMITE lexicon and creates a truly immersive gaming experience for fans across the spectrum.
"Each music event in the Slipknot Music Theme features not one, but multiple tracks,” explains Malone. “During matches, they will play on rotation for each development in the action, such as destroying a tower, getting a kill, etc. That’s a first in SMITE and it makes it the biggest music theme to date. The rotation component also ensures the tunes are fresh and as heavy as possible each time you hear them. If you like your music heavy, this is the definitive choice.”
In terms of specifics Mick Thomson, Jim Root and Alessandro Venturella are playable as Chaac skins and carry a weaponized guitar or bass that cuts like an axe. Slipknot's team of percussionists in Michael Pfaff, Jay Weinberg, and clown, are playable in their Raijin skin. Frontman Corey Taylor, turntablist Sid Wilson, and keyboardist Craig Jones become Poseidon. Each of the skins tout unique voice lines, some recorded by band members themselves. In addition, clown furthered his involvement in the project by designing some of the special sound effects.
All skins can also be unlocked in the Slipknot chest for 600 Gems – discounted to 500 only for this update. The chest holds two bundles of cosmetics showcasing the band’s universe, such as Recall skins, Avatars, and more.
Since it’s launch in 2014, SMITE has become among the leading names in the multiplayer online battle arena format. As the Battleground of The Gods, the mythology-heavy, free-to-play action adventure has amassed more than 30 million devotees with distinct features like a third-person camera and more game modes than any other leading game in its genre.
The launch of their biggest music theme to date with Slipknot is yet another example of the banner's commitment to innovation and optimizing the gaming experience for the loyal players. See the trailer for the SMITE x SLIPKNOT crossover event below.
