Last Thursday, we shared something big we’ve been working on for a while – the latest trailer for Dying Light: The Beast at The Game Awards. The way you reacted, your excitement and support, really means the world to us. It fuels our motivation and pushes us to make this game the best it can be.
In the announcement trailer of Dying Light: The Beast from Gamescom 2024 we focused on Kyle Crane, the legendary hero returning after being captured and experimented on for 13 years. This new trailer shifts the spotlight to his nemesis – the Baron.
He’s the man who kept Kyle imprisoned all this time, an emotionless, calculating, yet brilliant scientist. His real name is Marius Fischer, and he’s the last descendant of a noble big pharma dynasty from Castor Woods. But… who is he really? To tell you more about the Baron, I’ll pass it over to Art Director Katarzyna Tarnacka-Polito, Lead Character Concept Artist Katarzyna Bech, and Quest Designer Kalina Sobierajska.
Meet the Baron
"The Baron’s character developed as the story of Dying Light: The Beast evolved,” - says Kalina Sobierajska. “At first we basically started with just the name “The Baron” - which we’ve found very vibrant, promising an interesting antagonist hiding behind. Inspired by this energy we started developing the character, first focusing on his aristocratic vibe. His background, the way he speaks and acts, and even his style reflects that. The Baron is wealthy, smart, and highly educated. He studied in the U.S. before returning home - Castor Woods - to take over his family’s pharmaceutical empire.”
Moving on from that we pictured him as someone surrounded by advanced technology - pretty unusual in a post-apocalyptic setting. Even though the world is falling apart, the Baron has access to whatever he needs to chase his goals. For the Baron the pursuit of material goods is a sign of his superiority over others - he surrounds himself with the best suits and jewelry, pieces of art and technology, as this proves to himself that he can do things no one else can.
“When we started designing the Baron’s appearance, we wanted to make an antagonist that stood out” - explains Katarzyna Tarnacka-Polito. A lot of villains in games (especially in post-apocalyptic settings) tend to look rough, patched-up, and dirty. The Baron is different. He has power and resources, and that’s reflected in the way he presents himself.
His style is clean, classic, and elegant – think sophisticated "old money." - says Katarzyna Bech. He wears tailored suits that are spotless, even in a world falling apart. “His look tells you that he’s above the chaos. But we didn’t want him to feel too polished. That’s why we added a gun holster to his outfit – it’s a small detail, but it reminds you that he’s still dangerous.”
The man behind the looks
But while he may look polished and put-together, his personality is far from perfect. The Baron is cold, emotionless, and lacks empathy. He’s obsessed with science and doesn’t see the virus as a disaster. “Instead, he accepts it as part of his world and tries to use it for his own gain, experimenting on people and infected alike,” explains Kalina.
If you dig deep while playing the game, you’ll be able to uncover a significant portion of the Fischer family’s history to better understand the Baron’s background. The Baron isn’t just some random villain – he’s the heir to a family that has ruled the valley for generations. The Baron sees himself as the rightful leader of this place, and that drives many of his actions in the game.
“In Castor Woods, the Baron is the subject of many stories and rumors — some exaggerated, some born of fear, and others mere gossip. People in the valley hate him for his cruelty, but they also recognize his genius and skill - whether they like it or not,” mentions Kalina.
One of the most interesting legends is about his ancestry - says Katarzyna Tarnacka-Polito. Supposedly, the Baron is a descendant of a Witch who lived in Castor Woods ages ago. His family crest, which you can see in the trailer and you’ll see in the game on his brooch and signet ring, represents Chur, the Slavic god of the sun and moon. For the Baron, this symbol is a reminder of his legacy and the authority he believes he was born to have.
Both Katarzynas and Kalina gave a deeper insight into the Baron character. The Baron is much more than your typical antagonist. He’s a brilliant but ruthless leader, a cold-hearted scientist, and a man shaped by his own ambitions. We can’t wait for you to meet him in Dying Light: The Beast and uncover the truth about who he really is.