Telltale pilot plan aims to cut creative risk

Telltale Games has opened a new pilot game programme as the studio looks to build on its thriving episodic gaming production model.

The developer that delivered episodic chunks of Sam & Max will now instruct its internal teams to build pilot episodes of new games and concepts. The group says it will likely bring these pilot games to market, take in the critical and commercial response, and make a decision on whether to pursue with a full series.

It is hoped the initiative will lower investment risk and thus foster greater creativity, with pilot episodes being economical enough to allow for the kind of innovation so blocked off for being commercially unviable.

Telltale CEO Dan Connors said the programme is an “excellent way to expand the boundaries of interactive entertainment and gaming by bringing audiences unique and interesting content they might not see otherwise.”

He added: “Our internal teams are filled with incredibly talented and creative people, and the Pilot Program will foster the exploration of ideas that will help us evolve Telltale’s product offerings.”

Telltale is now readying the first title in the pilot programme, a mystery/puzzle title named Puzzle Agent (pictured) that is said will combine “accessible Professor Layton-inspired puzzling with generous doses of Nordic folklore, enigmatic gnomes, and dark David Lynch and Coen brothers sensibilities.”

The game will release in June on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Wii.