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Critical role partners with former telltale developers for new game

Critical Role | New Game from Former Telltale Team Generates Buzz

By

Diego Ramirez

Jul 24, 2025, 01:44 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

2 minutes of duration

Critical Role logo with images of Telltale Game characters and scenes, representing the new collaboration for an interactive game
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Critical Role is stirring excitement with the announcement of a collaboration with Adhoc Studio, made up of former Telltale developers. This game announcement sparked mixed reactions on forums, highlighting both skepticism and anticipation among the gaming community.

The Background and Expectations

Adhoc Studio is gaining notice after their game Dispatch received positive feedback during its demo. They are still working on Dispatch, which features characters voiced by Critical Role's Laura Bailey. However, comments reveal a cautious sentiment about Adhoc's track record, as some are hesitant due to the history of Telltaleโ€™s failures. One comment notes, "The world is littered with dead games built by unproven studios."

Perspectives from the Community

While many are excited for the potential creativity this partnership could bring, others express concern about the studioโ€™s reliability. Some forum contributors highlight that the studio needs a win, with one user remarking, "Critical Role likely worked this deal because Adhoc really needs a win."

Former Telltale employees have a history of producing acclaimed narrative-driven games, leading some to question how this new venture will impact the gaming landscape. A user commented, "If itโ€™s even something close to their Dispatch demo I think Iโ€™d be amazing."

Sentiments Revealed

The response is mixed:

  • Cautious Optimism: Many are excited but remain wary, noting past studio failures.

  • Positive Buzz: Comments regarding the Dispatch demo saw praise and a hint of hope for the future game.

  • Skepticism: Concerns persist about the quality and viability of projects from unproven studios.

Interestingly, one user emphasized the potential of new studios by referencing successful games from ex-developers of AAA titles, saying, "Some of the best games made are also built by unproven studios."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”น Adhoc Studioโ€™s Dispatch demo is well-received, raising hopes.

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Mixed feelings on Adhoc's reliability due to their inexperienceโ€”"Adhoc has never shipped a game"

  • โญ Positive expectations stem from past successes of former Telltale employees, as noted in diverse community insights.

With the traditional narrative-driven genre facing challenges, this new collaboration could either forge a path forward or repeat history. The gaming community will be watching closely as developments unfold.

What Lies Ahead for Adhoc Studio

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Adhoc Studio's partnership with Critical Role could yield a solid new title, especially given the positive reception of their Dispatch demo. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that the game will resonate well within the community due to the nostalgic appeal of Telltaleโ€™s legacy and the involvement of familiar voice talents. As they navigate public concerns about reliability, Adhoc may increase transparency in their development process to build trust. If they can prove their technical capability and deliver a compelling narrative, they might not only satisfy current skepticism but also pave the way for future indie projects. However, if they stumble, the historical hesitation regarding new studios could be reinforced, impacting future collaborations.

Echoes from the Music Scene

Strikingly, a parallel can be drawn from the late 1990s music industry when bands that were once part of mainstream labels formed indie collectives. Much like todayโ€™s gaming landscape, these musicians faced skepticism and uncertainty. Many artists thrived, creating influential music outside traditional frameworks, while others faltered. This reflects the current sentiment surrounding Adhoc: a combination of potential and risk. Just as those musicians carved out their identities, Adhoc has a pivotal opportunity to reshape their narrative and perhaps even redefine expectations within the gaming industry.