Former Witcher devs announce Different Tales, a new ‘storytelling’ studio exploring the idea of ‘slow gaming’

Different Tales – the new studio founded by former The Witcher developers – has announced its debut game Wanderlust: Travel Stories, an “atmospheric story-driven game” slated to release on August 28, 2019. Described as “a narrative based interactive travelogue inspired by real-world travel stories”, the game – which will be illustrated “by beautiful bespoke photography” – will be available on PC, Mac via Steam, and iOS. 

Different Tales says it is “a storytelling studio” that’s set on exploring the idea of “slow gaming”. From over a decade of working in fantasy franchises like The Witcher – as well as “failed artistic experiments, critically acclaimed products about killing people, prototypes that just didn’t work out, and the ups and downs leading to the inevitable burnout” – the team says it is ready to tell other stories rooted in common human experience.

Developed by former The Witcher lead narrative designer Artur Ganszyniec and The Witcher project lead Jacek Brzeziński, Wanderlust sees the player share stories of modern travels with fellow travellers in a small bistro in Hanga Roa. Through these stories, you will “step into their shoes” from packing their bags and managing expenses to “looking after their mental and physical health as you explore real-world locations” as you navigate the stories that brought them together. The characters will grow and learn from your choices.

“Ten years after I met with Jacek during our work on The Witcher, we decided to team up again to make a different kind of a story, something more grounded in reality and rooted in the common human experience,” said Artur Ganszyniec, co-founder of Different Tales.

“Wanderlust was born from Jacek’s love for travel and from my love for storytelling. We aimed to create something different. A bridge between literary experiences and gaming. A title that is meant to be taken in, experienced and felt.”