‘Rick and Morty’ are stuck in PlayStation’s ‘Death Stranding’ universe in new ad

On November 8, gamers will enter the world of “Death Stranding,” the newest release from creator-director Hideo Kojima (“Metal Gear”). The PlayStation 4 action game stars Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”) as the main character, Sam, whose goal is to reconnect with isolated cities in a fragmented society. 

So who better to promote this PlayStation alternate-universe survival game than everyone’s favorite Adult Swim multiverse hoppers, mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his 14-year-old grandson, Morty Smith, from “Rick and Morty”? 

In the above clip created in collaboration between Hideo Kojima and “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland (who also voices the cartoon’s lead characters), Rick and Morty find themselves in the “Death Stranding” universe discussing their latest mission (from Hideo Kojima himself!), which is also the ultimate task of the game: “Repair the fractured society and stop the Death Stranding.”

Morty, dressed as Reedus’ character, Sam, helpfully points out the creepy ghosts surrounding them in this veritable wasteland are the Death Stranding—because Rick admits he “wasn’t paying attention.” 

The one thing that’s impossible to miss about Morty’s costume is the baby strapped to his chest—a “Rick and Morty” version of the game’s mysterious Bridge Baby that floats in a pod attached to Sam. While the Bridge Baby is a major player in “Death Stranding,” it appears to suffer a horrifically humorous fate in this promo: Rick and Morty intend to eat it in the hope it will give them superhuman powers. 

“‘Death Stranding’ is a one-of-a-kind title that only the mind of Hideo Kojima could create,” says Eric Lempel, SVP and head of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “It’s innovative. It’s bold. And it’s one of the most unique gaming experiences we have ever seen, so we wanted to build an integration that would applaud and honor this brave new IP. With that, we leaned on the strength of ‘Rick and Morty’ and let the Adult Swim team create their own hilarious and outlandish take on what ‘Death Stranding’ is about.”

The partnership between “Death Stranding” and “Rick and Morty” will also include sponsored editorial posts from Adult Swim social handles. In addition, two related activations will be hosted at the upcoming Adult Swim Festival: There will be a photo opportunity where fans can “become” the face of Morty’s “Death Stranding” Bridge Baby. Plus, the “Rick and Morty”/“Death Stranding” branded content clip will be included inside the Rickflector, an immersive experience allowing fans to create their own avatar in the “Rick and Morty” multiverse.

The Adult Swim Festival takes place at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16.