Addressing the Timey Wimey virus in Doctor Who: The Edge Of Reality – Feature
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While many know all about him Doctor who TV show, is a franchise that has had a lot optional storytelling and storytelling through other entertainment media: books (including audiobooks starring the lead actors), spinoff shows, and of course video games. The Switch recently got a port for Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins, which originally made its mark on mobile devices; that it turned out pretty good.
Next comes Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality on September 30, and it’s another game with a story. One form of the game, called Edge of Time, was previously released on virtual reality platforms. Now it comes to Switch and other ‘flat screen’ platforms with a new name and, apparently, a revised and greatly expanded story. The gameplay has been altered as well, of course, so the new iteration could feel very different from the original.
We have been intrigued by learning more about it and had the opportunity to speak with key figures from the two development studios involved in its production. We asked Stewart Gilray (CEO / Creative Director, Just Add Water) and Russell Harding (Studio Director, Maze Theory) to learn more about what to expect in the game, the challenges of working in the Whovian universe, and for that matter. Of course, the television stars who lead the cast of the game.
This has been described as a revamped and expanded story from the previous VR release The Edge of Time, can you explain in more detail?
Stewart Gilray (CEO / Creative Director, Just Add Water): We have expanded locations and experiences in the game. Without giving too much away, the first level in Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality now has roughly 80% more content than the same level in Edge of Time. Mix that with the new levels we’ve added, or indeed the levels we’ve completely rebuilt, like the forest level, and you end up with a revamped and expanded story.
Some of the changes have been a necessity, as the differences between virtual reality and non-virtual reality dictate that the elements have had to change. We have puzzles that have been changed due to that transition. On the contrary, virtual reality is more of an experience than traditional games. As such, we’ve made changes that remove some of those elements that only apply to VR.
With the game giving us a reinvented story, can you talk about the creative process? Were there multiple stakeholders, links to a broader tradition to consider, for example?
We’ve done everything we can to make sure we’re truly authentic, from using photogrammetry references for Tardis and Weeping Angels, to making sure the audio (sounds and music) is inspired by the show.
Russell Harding (Studio Director, Maze Theory): Being authentic in the Doctor Who tradition is a key focus in the creative process, we have now spent a significant amount of time working closely with the BBC and the showrunners to ensure we stay in tune with the current seasons.
The story is at the core of what we do at Maze Theory and always where we start, so having worked with Gavin Collinson on Doctor Who: The Edge of Time and again on The Lonely Assassins, we already knew there was a bigger story. to tell about the reality virus and the Thirteenth Doctor.
We’ve done everything we can to make sure we’re truly authentic, from using photogrammetry references for Tardis and Weeping Angels, to ensuring that the audio ([both]sounds and music) is inspired by the show. Richard Wilkinson’s music has been heavily inspired by the show’s past and present eras, and his version stands out as an authentic yet original take on the iconic Doctor Who theme.
Additionally, working closely with the BBC allowed us to leverage the Doctor Who lore to create new enemies like Tazmas, Hydrocks, and a nemesis named CyberReaper.
What was it like working with Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant for their part for Edge of Reality? Also, were there additional challenges in that regard due to the pandemic, for example?
RH: Authenticity is extremely important to us at Maze Theory and that also extends to working with the show’s talent whenever possible. Jodie Whittaker always gives an incredible performance as the Doctor; it was very important to us that she was part of the game.
Then when we looked at the story of Edge of Reality, we had this great opportunity to introduce a second Doctor as chaos unfolds in time and space. The Tenth Doctor seemed like the natural choice, and one that fans really wanted to see in the game, so we were very excited when David Tennant agreed to join.
SG: Both Jodie and David were extremely professional and easy to work with, especially during the pandemic. When we recorded David, for example, he couldn’t get to a recording studio, so he worked from his own home recording facility.
Another thing we were so eager to expand on was that infamous Doctor Who moment ‘behind the couch’. In fact, it increased our quality control advantage when the day’s work was done! So I think we have you covered.
For those of you unfamiliar with VR gaming in particular, can you describe the gaming experience we can expect?
SG: We had to make some changes due to differences in VR and non-VR media. For example, you generally have two controllers in VR, one to represent each hand, but that’s not the case for non-VR platforms. We had to modify some puzzles and elements to work with the traditional controllers.
The game itself features various mechanics, including a great deal of puzzle solving (both physical in the game world and brain teasers), as well as some action and stealth moments.
Another thing we were very eager to expand on was that infamous Doctor Who moment ‘behind the couch’ – those stories that have made kids run away in terror, but still want to see more. In fact, it increased our quality control advantage when the day’s work was done! So I think we have you covered.
RH: The Edge of Reality is truly a narrative adventure in which players help the Doctor uncover a universal threat that is destroying reality. In the style of Doctor Who, you can explore new worlds and time periods as you race to discover how to stop a virus released through time and space. You will come face to face with various old, favorite (and new, iconic) enemies as you explore the narrative, solve puzzles, defeat Daleks, avoid the Weeping Angels, meet the Cybermen, and try to escape the Doctor’s new enemy. – the CyberReaper.
The narrative and gameplay have also been greatly expanded and adapted to work better as a flat-screen game.
From a technical point of view, what has it been like to work with the Switch hardware? Are there any Switch specific features that you have implemented in the game? For example, use Joy-Con similar to VR controllers in the original?
SG: We couldn’t really retain the use of separate controllers due to gameplay changes compared to the VR edition. The main feature we’ve had to work on is the Switch’s dock / undock ability, paying close attention to those differences during development.
As Doctor Who’s intellectual property continues to evolve, what role can games play for the franchise, in your opinion?
I think games play a huge role in expanding Doctor Who’s intellectual property by allowing for deeper fan engagement, but also by introducing new audiences to this well-established franchise.
SG: Well, it’s fair to say that the Doctor hasn’t been to many games over the past decade. I can think of a handful of titles during that time. I guess that’s true for all licensed IPs. In the 80’s and 90’s, we had A LOT of licensed IP’s, but actually I see that trend reversing with more and more. It will certainly be interesting to see.
RH: I think games play a huge role in expanding Doctor Who’s intellectual property by allowing for deeper fan engagement, but also by introducing new audiences to this well-established franchise. I think the big focus for any IP entering the gaming industry is to focus on being true to the medium and really exploring its potential in this space, not just some well-known game mechanics.
Do you have a final message on Edge of Reality, for Doctor Who fans old and new?
SG: We’ve tried to entertain the Whovians with nods to various things from the Who universe scattered throughout the game … There may or may not be answers to questions that have been asked over the years. [winks]
RH: Edge of Reality’s narrative takes you on a great and varied adventure that spans many genres, from action to sci-fi to horror. For fans, there are some great Easter eggs and narrative ties to the Whoniverse … and if you’re new to the franchise, Edge of Reality is also a great entry into the world of Doctor Who, as you don’t really need any previews. knowledge.
We would like to thank Stewart Gilray and Russell Harding for their time. Doctor Who: Edge of Reality hits the Switch eShop on September 30.
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