Creating The Plucky Squire Before Anyone Else Did

The gaming industry is abuzz with the release of "The Plucky Squire," an innovative title that enhances traditional game mechanics with its unique dimension-switching feature. Developed by All Possible Futures, the game debuts today on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC. After a much-anticipated announcement at Devolver Digital's 2022 summer showcase, the game quickly drew interest for its creative approach to gameplay.

Jonathan Biddle, co-founder and director at All Possible Futures, expressed concerns over potential competition. "We've always feared that a major company, like Nintendo or Ubisoft, might adopt our idea of a character transitioning from a book’s 2D world to the 3D environment," he told GamesIndustry.biz. Biddle, previously with Curve Digital, found success with his 2018 game, "The Swords of Ditto."

"We thought what we had was so unique that if someone else had the same idea, we would be screwed basically"

The game's first trailer generated immense excitement, showcasing its distinct mechanics. Biddle attributes this response to the "heart" of the game, noting, "Players seek joy in their hobbies, and our objective was just that—fun. The transition from the book’s 2D art to the 3D world was a 'mic drop' moment that captivated audiences, affirming the game's potential success."

The buzz from the trailer also bolstered the studio's recruiting efforts. Once potential collaborators saw the trailer, they recognized the project’s uniqueness and applied to join the team. Biddle mentioned how crucial the trailer was for attracting talent, making it both a promotional tool and an assertion of creativity for the developers.

Initiated by the conceptual 3D book idea from co-founder James Turner (formerly with Game Freak), the project steadily evolved. The team created a 25-minute demo that refined the core concepts, leading to the title's current form. Biddle emphasized a methodical development approach, starting small and layering complexity incrementally.

The game’s ambitious features brought challenges, particularly in camera functionality, as characters transitioned from 2D to 3D then into various media items within the game. Biddle, primarily self-taught in programming, navigated these hurdles with a compact, dedicated team, whose expertise belied their small number.

As we explore themes like perspective shifts, Biddle refrains from making generalizations about what engages players, stressing the unpredictability of trends and game success. Like the unexpected meteoric rise of "Monument Valley," there's no surefire formula for a hit game.

Despite the challenges, Biddle remains optimistic. He avoids predicting success metrics, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling content worthy of the time and effort invested. This ethos underscores All Possible Futures' dedication to delivering enjoyable gameplay experiences.

The game’s advances may suggest future expansions or sequels that could explore untapped aspects of its gameplay, though the team remains cautious about overextending. The creativity potential seems boundless, with the new title already inviting players to explore and enjoy varied thematic concepts.

As "The Plucky Squire" enters the market, Biddle hopes for it to fulfill the aspirations set by its debut trailer. The journey from conception to release has been fraught with obstacles, but the anticipation remains that players will discover and appreciate the carefully crafted experience.