Silent Hill art director Masahiro Ito affirms all endings are canon
Canonicity is a hotly debated topic in gaming communities. Especially when games like Silent Hill have multiple, distinct endings, fans will ask, “Which of these is the true canon ending?” Well, according to Silent Hill art director Masahiro Ito, all of them are.
While canon is typically accepted with some Silent Hill endings, like In Water for Silent Hill 2, there’s still ongoing debate on which of the many endings across the series are considered ‘true’ canon. With so many possible endings, each game in the series typically has three to six endings, and while some, like In Water, are widely accepted, there’s still debate over which ones are considered canon.
Well, Ito has weighed in on the Silent Hill canon debate and, in a way, it’s the opposite of what you might expect. “Every ending in the series is canon if the player wants it to be,” Ito says, including the infamous dog ending.
When asked about In Water, Ito clarified that “all endings are canon, not just one.” When asked specifically about the dog ending, Ito replied, “If players believe it to be canon, then it is.”
So there you have it, the Silent Hill dog ending has, somehow, validation as a potential canon ending according to Ito’s comments. For fans who have debated the fate of the protagonist James for over 20 years, this revelation gives you the freedom to choose your preferred outcome.
With this flexible approach to canon, the Silent Hill games embrace a sense of player agency and personal storytelling that has gained importance in gaming communities over the years. It’s a refreshing take on canon, especially considering how much it’s gained prominence in gaming communities.
In any case, this news may bring a sense of relief to players who have felt constrained by the idea of a single, definitive canon ending. Personally, I’ve always found the dog ending strangely charming and its absurdity and unexpected humor has earned it a cult following among fans.
With Ito’s affirmation, the dog ending now holds a special place in the Silent Hill canon, much to the delight of its fans (including myself). The series continues to captivate players with its atmospheric Horror and intriguing stories, regardless of which ending is considered canon.
