Storyteller, a game about writing, word puzzles, and the twisted tales we tell ourselves, is set to be released on Android and iOS via Netflix on September 26th. Published by Annapurna Interactive, it has previously been made available on the Nintendo Switch and PC on March 23rd, after spending over a decade in development.
The game was initially announced by solo creator Daniel Benmergui in 2011. In 2012, a prototype of the game won the Nuovo award for innovation at the Game Developers Conference, showcasing its potential. However, life got in the way, and Benmergui had to step away from working on Storyteller for a few years. Eventually, he picked it back up and found a publishing partner in Annapurna, leading to the game finally seeing the light of day.
Storyteller offers players the opportunity to compose narrative arcs using comic book-style building blocks. In the process, they can alter the lives, deaths, romances, and betrayals of medieval characters, creating a soothing and often amusing experience that captures the absurdity of the creative writing process.
Upon its release on iOS and Android in September, Storyteller will come with free downloadable content (DLC), providing players with new stories to weave. This additional content will also be available for free on the Switch and PC versions of the game.
The Netflix partnership for Storyteller aligns with the streaming platform’s current focus on indie games. Netflix is rapidly expanding its catalog of mobile games, all of which are available for free to subscribers. The company plans to have nearly 100 titles in its game library by the end of the year. Notably, Netflix has already brought popular indie games such as Kentucky Route Zero, Oxenfree, Spiritfarer, Into the Breach, Moonlighter, Laya’s Horizon, TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, and Valiant Hearts: Coming Home to iOS and Android. In fact, Netflix has even acquired renowned indie game studios such as Night School Studio, the creators of Oxenfree.
The collaboration with Netflix provides Storyteller with a wider reach and exposure to a vast user base. With Netflix’s growing investment in gaming, it offers indie developers an alternative platform to showcase their unique creations. Additionally, the availability of the game through Netflix’s subscription model eliminates the need for separate purchases or subscriptions, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
The inclusion of Storyteller in Netflix’s mobile game library signifies the platform’s commitment to expanding its offerings beyond traditional film and television content. By venturing into the gaming industry, Netflix aims to offer a comprehensive entertainment experience to its subscribers, giving them the opportunity to explore different mediums of storytelling.
As Storyteller prepares to grace mobile screens, players can look forward to diving into a world of creative writing, word puzzles, and imaginative narratives. With a decade-long journey behind it, this unique game promises to captivate players with its engaging gameplay mechanics and the endless possibilities that unfold with each story created. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply looking for a delightful and unconventional gaming experience, Storyteller is sure to provide a memorable adventure.