Telltale Games
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| - | Telltale Games was founded by former [[LucasArts]] employees who had worked on the company's {{w|LucasArts adventure games|adventure games}}. The company focused on releasing adventure games in an {{w|Episodic video game|episodic format}}, licensing niche IPs with strong fanbases like [[Sam & Max]] (which previously had been licensed to LucasArts). The partnership with Telltale was the first time The Brothers Chaps had licensed out their work. After | + | Telltale Games was founded by former [[LucasArts]] employees who had worked on the company's {{w|LucasArts adventure games|adventure games}}. The company focused on releasing adventure games in an {{w|Episodic video game|episodic format}}, licensing niche IPs with strong fanbases like [[Sam & Max]] (which previously had been licensed to LucasArts). The partnership with Telltale was the first time The Brothers Chaps had licensed out their work. After receiving and turning down offers from companies like [[Sega]],{{ref|2}} the brothers felt that Telltale would make for a fitting partnership given their LucasArts pedigree and understanding of Homestar Runner. |
A hint of [[Homestar Runner (body of work)|Homestar Runner's]] "first large scale game in the works" was mentioned by [[Matt Chapman]] in [[Zoinks! Magazine Interview|a 2006 interview]]; a [[IGN Interview - 14 Apr 2008|later interview]] revealed that Telltale had first been in contact around 2006-2007, during the release of ''Sam and Max: Season 1''. On [[www.homestarrunner.com|the website]], the first true hint of a collaboration with Telltale was the short [[Strong Bad Gameways]] released (via an Easter egg in [[shapeshifter]]) on April 1, 2008. The game ''Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People'' was officially announced via a press release{{ref|1}} on April 10, 2008; with the first chapter scheduled for June. The game's [[Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People#Episodes|five episodes]] were released on a monthly basis, from August 11, 2008 to December 15, 2008: | A hint of [[Homestar Runner (body of work)|Homestar Runner's]] "first large scale game in the works" was mentioned by [[Matt Chapman]] in [[Zoinks! Magazine Interview|a 2006 interview]]; a [[IGN Interview - 14 Apr 2008|later interview]] revealed that Telltale had first been in contact around 2006-2007, during the release of ''Sam and Max: Season 1''. On [[www.homestarrunner.com|the website]], the first true hint of a collaboration with Telltale was the short [[Strong Bad Gameways]] released (via an Easter egg in [[shapeshifter]]) on April 1, 2008. The game ''Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People'' was officially announced via a press release{{ref|1}} on April 10, 2008; with the first chapter scheduled for June. The game's [[Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People#Episodes|five episodes]] were released on a monthly basis, from August 11, 2008 to December 15, 2008: | ||
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=== Rivalry with Videlectrix === | === Rivalry with Videlectrix === | ||
| - | Telltale's fictional relationship with Videlectrix was often humorously portrayed as combative, with Videlectrix's [[Good Graphics|relatively low-tech]] output clashing with the 3D graphics used by Telltale. On November 19, 2008, Videlectrix expressed jealousy of Telltale Games and announced that they plan to "strike back". Attempts included releasing [[Dangeresque Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque]] to cash in on [[Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective]] and creating an alternate SBCG4AP box (which later became the reverse artwork for the [[SBCG4AP Collector's DVD]]). The release of Roomisode 1 prompted a press release from Telltale Games:{{ref| | + | Telltale's fictional relationship with Videlectrix was often humorously portrayed as combative, with Videlectrix's [[Good Graphics|relatively low-tech]] output clashing with the 3D graphics used by Telltale. On November 19, 2008, Videlectrix expressed jealousy of Telltale Games and announced that they plan to "strike back". Attempts included releasing [[Dangeresque Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque]] to cash in on [[Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective]] and creating an alternate SBCG4AP box (which later became the reverse artwork for the [[SBCG4AP Collector's DVD]]). The release of Roomisode 1 prompted a press release from Telltale Games:{{ref|4}} |
<blockquote>"I'd also like to take a moment to address a serious issue that has recently come to our attention. Unhappy with our Strong Bad games, Videlectrix has taken it upon themselves to release a Strong Bad game of their own from [http://www.videlectrix.com www.videlectrix.com]. "[http://www.homestarrunner.com/dangeresque.html Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque]" is completely unauthorized and it's unfortunate that they've resorted to this. In spite of our creative differences and some weird late night phone calls from the irate Videlectrix CEO, Telltale has successfully completed production on the Strong Bad season finale and many of us think it's the best episode of the season. We only wish Videlectrix could have been a bit more grown-up about the whole situation."</blockquote> | <blockquote>"I'd also like to take a moment to address a serious issue that has recently come to our attention. Unhappy with our Strong Bad games, Videlectrix has taken it upon themselves to release a Strong Bad game of their own from [http://www.videlectrix.com www.videlectrix.com]. "[http://www.homestarrunner.com/dangeresque.html Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque]" is completely unauthorized and it's unfortunate that they've resorted to this. In spite of our creative differences and some weird late night phone calls from the irate Videlectrix CEO, Telltale has successfully completed production on the Strong Bad season finale and many of us think it's the best episode of the season. We only wish Videlectrix could have been a bit more grown-up about the whole situation."</blockquote> | ||
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Telltale Games abruptly closed in 2018, going into {{w|General assignment|bankruptcy assignment}} in October of that year. As a result, its games were delisted from digital storefronts Steam and GOG in the following months. {{w|Telltale Games (2018–present)|LCG Entertainment, Inc. acquired and revived the brand}} on August 28, 2019 with plans of republishing much of the back catalog. | Telltale Games abruptly closed in 2018, going into {{w|General assignment|bankruptcy assignment}} in October of that year. As a result, its games were delisted from digital storefronts Steam and GOG in the following months. {{w|Telltale Games (2018–present)|LCG Entertainment, Inc. acquired and revived the brand}} on August 28, 2019 with plans of republishing much of the back catalog. | ||
| - | SBCG4AP was relisted on December 7, 2020; although {{prs|1336186816010080256|7|Dec|2020|alt=differences in licensing deals}} meant that the Brothers Chaps did not receive income from this relisting, [[@StrongBadActual]] still {{prs|1336130558804566021|7|Dec|2020|alt=reacted positively to the news that people could play the game again}}. When Telltale no longer had the rights to the IP,{{ref| | + | SBCG4AP was relisted on December 7, 2020; although {{prs|1336186816010080256|7|Dec|2020|alt=differences in licensing deals}} meant that the Brothers Chaps did not receive income from this relisting, [[@StrongBadActual]] still {{prs|1336130558804566021|7|Dec|2020|alt=reacted positively to the news that people could play the game again}}. When Telltale no longer had the rights to the IP,{{ref|5}} the game was delisted again on May 30, 2023. Poker Night at the Inventory has remained unavailable for purchase. |
== Store == | == Store == | ||
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== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
| - | *Emily Morganti from the Telltale team once interviewed [[The Brothers Chaps]] for [[Adventure Gamers Interview - 2 Sept 2004|Adventure Gamers]]{{ref| | + | *Emily Morganti from the Telltale team once interviewed [[The Brothers Chaps]] for [[Adventure Gamers Interview - 2 Sept 2004|Adventure Gamers]].{{ref|3}} |
*[[Homestar Runner]] makes a [[Sam & Max Season Two Alternate Ending 101|cameo appearance]] in one of the "alternate reveals" for "[[Sam & Max]] Episode 205: What's New Beelzebub" featured on the ''Sam & Max: Season Two'' DVD. | *[[Homestar Runner]] makes a [[Sam & Max Season Two Alternate Ending 101|cameo appearance]] in one of the "alternate reveals" for "[[Sam & Max]] Episode 205: What's New Beelzebub" featured on the ''Sam & Max: Season Two'' DVD. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
# {{note|1}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110831101532/http://www.telltalegames.com/company/pressreleases/id-65 " Announcing Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People for WiiWare" press release (archived)] | # {{note|1}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20110831101532/http://www.telltalegames.com/company/pressreleases/id-65 " Announcing Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People for WiiWare" press release (archived)] | ||
| - | # {{note|2}} [https://community.telltale.com/discussion/comment/75922 Telltale | + | # {{note|2}} [https://kotaku.com/lunchtime-with-the-brothers-chap-strong-bads-creators-5016138 "Lunchtime With The Brothers Chap: Strong Bad's Creators Speak And Eat"], [[Kotaku Interview - 13 Jun 2008|''Kotaku'', 13 Jun 2008]] |
| - | # {{note| | + | # {{note|3}} [https://community.telltale.com/discussion/comment/75922 "How did you first find out about HSR?"], Telltale community thread |
| - | # {{note| | + | # {{note|4}} [https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/telltale-and-videlectrix "Telltale And Videlectrix Come To Blows", ''Rock Paper Shotgun''] |
| + | # {{note|5}} [https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/8340/view/3674419898842965390 "Important Information for Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People", The Telltale Team] | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 23:40, 28 December 2023
Telltale Games, in its original incarnation, was a video game company that partnered with Videlectrix (actually The Brothers Chaps) to produce Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, a game in five episodes (or "actionsodes" in Strong Bad's term) for PC and WiiWare, later released for PlayStation 3 and OS X.
The Telltale offices were seen in the series Behind the Bad, a video series featuring Strong Bad interacting with staff as they produced the game.
Contents |
History
Telltale has been rejecting my ideas for green text adventures for years, but we finally reached a compromise with this puffy 3D point-and-click-em-up adventure. They claim all the coding was done with green text, so I guess that's pretty cool.
- —Strong Bad[1]
Telltale Games was founded by former LucasArts employees who had worked on the company's adventure games. The company focused on releasing adventure games in an episodic format, licensing niche IPs with strong fanbases like Sam & Max (which previously had been licensed to LucasArts). The partnership with Telltale was the first time The Brothers Chaps had licensed out their work. After receiving and turning down offers from companies like Sega,[2] the brothers felt that Telltale would make for a fitting partnership given their LucasArts pedigree and understanding of Homestar Runner.
A hint of Homestar Runner's "first large scale game in the works" was mentioned by Matt Chapman in a 2006 interview; a later interview revealed that Telltale had first been in contact around 2006-2007, during the release of Sam and Max: Season 1. On the website, the first true hint of a collaboration with Telltale was the short Strong Bad Gameways released (via an Easter egg in shapeshifter) on April 1, 2008. The game Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People was officially announced via a press release[1] on April 10, 2008; with the first chapter scheduled for June. The game's five episodes were released on a monthly basis, from August 11, 2008 to December 15, 2008:
The main menu animation of strongbad_email.exe Disc Six utilized the CG models from SBCG4AP, and the intro was choreographed by Telltale employees Jake Rodkin and Nick Herman. Telltale Games is thanked in the credits of the DVD.
On September 2, 2010, Telltale Games announced Poker Night at the Inventory. The game featured several characters from previous Telltale games; Strong Bad appeared as one of the poker players, and the game featured several musical and visual elements from Homestar Runner. The game was released on November 22, 2010.
Rivalry with Videlectrix
Telltale's fictional relationship with Videlectrix was often humorously portrayed as combative, with Videlectrix's relatively low-tech output clashing with the 3D graphics used by Telltale. On November 19, 2008, Videlectrix expressed jealousy of Telltale Games and announced that they plan to "strike back". Attempts included releasing Dangeresque Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque to cash in on Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective and creating an alternate SBCG4AP box (which later became the reverse artwork for the SBCG4AP Collector's DVD). The release of Roomisode 1 prompted a press release from Telltale Games:[4]
"I'd also like to take a moment to address a serious issue that has recently come to our attention. Unhappy with our Strong Bad games, Videlectrix has taken it upon themselves to release a Strong Bad game of their own from www.videlectrix.com. "Roomisode 1: Behind the Dangerdesque" is completely unauthorized and it's unfortunate that they've resorted to this. In spite of our creative differences and some weird late night phone calls from the irate Videlectrix CEO, Telltale has successfully completed production on the Strong Bad season finale and many of us think it's the best episode of the season. We only wish Videlectrix could have been a bit more grown-up about the whole situation."
Closure and Relaunch
Although the Brothers Chaps would share ideas or joke about a potential second season of SBCG4AP, no concrete plans were ever brought forth by them or Telltale. The Brothers emphasized that the game was "the biggest thing that we'd probably do" due to the amount of work and hours-long runtime of the games compared to typical minutes-long toons. Homestar Runner additionally went on an extended hiatus about a year after the release of the final chapter of SBCG4AP.
Telltale Games abruptly closed in 2018, going into bankruptcy assignment in October of that year. As a result, its games were delisted from digital storefronts Steam and GOG in the following months. LCG Entertainment, Inc. acquired and revived the brand on August 28, 2019 with plans of republishing much of the back catalog.
SBCG4AP was relisted on December 7, 2020; although differences in licensing deals meant that the Brothers Chaps did not receive income from this relisting, @StrongBadActual still reacted positively to the news that people could play the game again. When Telltale no longer had the rights to the IP,[5] the game was delisted again on May 30, 2023. Poker Night at the Inventory has remained unavailable for purchase.
Store
 |  |
Alongside digital and physical versions of SBCG4AP, the Telltale Games store also sold Homestar Runner merchandise:
- Strong Bad Sings CD
- Strong Bad Emails DVD Set
- Strong Bad Emails DVD #6
- SBEmails' 50 Greatest Hits DVD
- Trogdor Poster
- Strong Bad T-Shirt
- Teen Girl Squad T-Shirt (babydoll version)
- Strong Bad Hoodie
- Strong Bad Beanie Cap
- Homestar Runner Figurines Series #1 and #2
Fun Facts
- Emily Morganti from the Telltale team once interviewed The Brothers Chaps for Adventure Gamers.[3]
- Homestar Runner makes a cameo appearance in one of the "alternate reveals" for "Sam & Max Episode 205: What's New Beelzebub" featured on the Sam & Max: Season Two DVD.
Sources
- ^ " Announcing Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People for WiiWare" press release (archived)
- ^ "Lunchtime With The Brothers Chap: Strong Bad's Creators Speak And Eat", Kotaku, 13 Jun 2008
- ^ "How did you first find out about HSR?", Telltale community thread
- ^ "Telltale And Videlectrix Come To Blows", Rock Paper Shotgun
- ^ "Important Information for Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People", The Telltale Team
See Also
External Links
- Telltale Games official site
- Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People at Telltale Games (inactive)
- Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People at Telltale Games (archive link)
- Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People on Steam (no longer for sale)
- Poker Night at the Inventory at Telltale Games (archive link)
- Poker Night at the Inventory on Steam (no longer for sale)
| Poker Night at the Inventory |
|---|
| Produced by Telltale Games |
| Responses | Teaser | Trailer | Make a Scene with Telltale at PAX 2010 |
