Writer Iain Lowson began working with the Relentless design team very early into the development of the six episode project. He began by producing a fully detailed plot document covering all episodes scene by scene with Project Lead Paul Woodbridge before writing the scripts.He worked closely with the team, fine tuning the stories and dialogue based on team and focus group feedback. The world of Blue Toad is peopled with a cast of colorful characters for which Iain assisted the art department by providing biographies and visual influences for certain characters and locations.
Sini Downing, Sidelines Agency Director commented, “We were really excited when Relentless approached us for a writer. This was their first foray outside of the Buzz franchise and we knew how important the story, feel of the world and the characters were going to be to the game. Iain got really involved, working very closely with Design, Art, and Audio on the story and character development. He really felt part of the team.”
The close work between writer and design team paid off, with very positive response for the game, including: “The synergy between script, voicing and character animation is the game's principle asset, and these aspects work together very well to produce a general cosy appeal which encompasses young and old alike.” [Eurogamer, 27 October 2009]
A writer’s work is not just at the keyboard – Iain was also involved in the voice recordings, attending script readings to assist in finding the voice for each character and co-directing some of the recording sessions. In addition, he assisted with the promotion of the game, taking part in interviews at the press launch and fielding questions at game’s stand at the Eurogamer Expo.
Darren Tuckey, Senior Producer at Relentless, said, ‘Working with Sidelines and Iain Lowson on Blue Toad Murder Files was a very positive experience for us. The professionalism and flexibility shown as well as commitment to the project meant that we were able to get a great script for the game and felt as though Iain was a member of the internal team rather than an external writer.’
Blue Toad Murder Files, episodes 1 &2, are available on PlayStation Network now.