Insight Studios teams with publishing house Hachette for gamebook format

British book publisher Hachette and developer Insight Studios are working together on a new type of game.

Dubbed ‘gamebook’, the format combines gameplay mechanics with text and more conventional storytelling.

The first gamebook will be iOS and Android title New Star Soccer Story, based on the New Star Soccer brand and released to coincide with the Euro 2016 football tournament.

Authors Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore collaborated on the game’s story, which will diverge into different events based on player decisions.

The writers previously wrote titles including Action Dogs, iHorror, Vernon Bright and The Dark Forest.

"The gamebook series combines gameplay technology and traditional storytelling in a new way that goes far beyond the printed page or eBook," said Hachette brand development director Damian Horner.

Insight MD Martyn Brown added: "We’re really excited about the truly interactive fusion of book and game. Combing quality narrative and elements of the immediate and addictive gameplay from New Star Soccer feels very natural."