In an unexpected twist, a language teacher at a Japanese secondary school has adopted an unconventional method for teaching English. The classroom has become a stage for gaming, as students dive into the haunting world of P.T., the teaser for the elusive Silent Hills project.
Gaming the Language Barrier
Hideo Kojima’s P.T. stands out as a chilling masterpiece of horror, presenting a home filled with eerie encounters and enigmatic puzzles. Initially unveiled as a “Playable Trailer” for the now defunct Silent Hills, P.T. remains a seminal experience in gaming horror. According to reports, students in the class navigated the game using English instructions, such as “walk around the room” and “answer the phone.” This immersive approach helped them engage with English in an environment charged with suspense and excitement, particularly when the phone ominously rang, urging them to use “natural English expressions.”
The Legacy of Silent Hills
In 2015, Konami officially put an end to Silent Hills, following a high-profile split with Kojima, leading to the removal of the P.T. demo from the PlayStation Network. However, this teacher had the foresight to preserve the game, using it as a unique educational tool nearly a decade later. This innovative use of P.T. not only maintained the game’s legacy but also transformed language learning into a thrilling adventure for students.
Kojima’s New Ventures
With Death Stranding 2 now completed, Kojima is delving into fresh projects, including the horror title OD for Xbox Game Studios. Recently, the first trailer was unveiled, sparking speculation about possible connections to P.T. The game will feature a stellar cast, including Sophia Lillis, Udo Kier, and Hunter Schafer, with the narrative centered around mysterious happenings in an eerie house. Kojima describes the game’s subtitle, OD: Knock, highlighting the significance of ominous knocking sounds, which differentiate it from filmmaker Jordan Peele’s project of the same name.
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