To celebrate the launch of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm, Square Enix released a new emotive new video that features real people, with real, genuine stories of friendship and love.

Before the Storm is Set in Arcadia Bay, three years before the events of the first game in the series where players take on the role of a rebellious 16 year-old Chloe Price who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber; her complete opposite: a beautiful and popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret, they will rely on each toher to overcome their demons.

Square Enix Vice President for Brand Marketing Jon Brooke said: “I wanted to capture the emotion and spirit of Life is Strange in a way that you don’t usually see in video game advertising. As a game, it braves to be different, harnessing emotions rarely seen in video games and I wanted the advertising to match this. I am really pleased with how it turned out. It’s designed to remind us that life is all about our relationships and a strong friendship can change everything. I hope everyone can relate to that.”

Creative Agency, Ralph, spent many weeks reaching out to pairs of best friends, asking for stories and insights into how their friendship had lasted through even the toughest of times.

“We took a risk with this strategy and we wouldn’t have achieved the emotion within the video had we not chosen some extraordinary people willing to open their hearts on camera,” admitted Ralph’s Creative Director Gregor Stevenson. “The raw intensity of their reactions as they read their best friends’ innermost thoughts is what we wanted to capture from the start. And that’s what we got. Our goal was to portray each friendship in an engaging and empathetic way, whilst reflecting the authenticity and uniqueness of the characters in the game.”