While many know all about the Doctor Who TV show, it's a franchise that has had a lot of optional lore and storytelling through other entertainment mediums — books (including audio books starring the main actors), spin-off shows and of course video games. Just recently the Switch got a port of Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins, which originally made its mark on mobile devices; it turned out rather well.
Next up we have Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality arriving on 14th October, and it's another game with a history. A form of the game — called Edge of Time — was previously released on VR platforms. It now comes to Switch and other 'flatscreen' platforms with a new name and, apparently, an overhauled and greatly expanded story. The gameplay has been shaken up too, of course, so the new iteration could potentially feel very different to the original.
We've been intrigued to learn more about it and had a chance to talk to key figures from the two development studios involved in its production. We posed questions to Stewart Gilray (CEO/Creative Director, Just Add Water) and Russell Harding (Studio Director, Maze Theory) to learn more on what we can expect in the game, the challenges of working in the Whovian universe and, of course, the TV stars leading the game's cast.
This has been described as a reimagined and expanded story from the previous VR release The Edge of Time, can you explain that in more detail?
Stewart Gilray (CEO/Creative Director, Just Add Water): We’ve expanded locations and experiences in-game. Without giving too much away, the first level of Doctor Who: The Edge of Reality now has about 80% more content than the same level in Edge of Time. Mix that in with new levels we’ve added, or indeed levels we’ve entirely rebuilt, such as the forest level and you end up with a reimagined and expanded story.
Some of the changes have been a necessity as the differences between VR and non-VR dictate that elements have had to change. We’ve got puzzles that have been changed due to that transition. Conversely, VR is more of an experience than traditional gaming. As such we’ve made changes that remove some of those items only applicable to VR.
With the game bringing us a reimagined story, can you talk about the creative process? Were there various stakeholders, tie-ins with broader lore to consider, for example?
We have gone to huge lengths to ensure that we are truly authentic – from using photogrammetry references for the Tardis and Weeping Angels, to ensuring that audio (sounds and music) is inspired by the show.
Russell Harding (Studio Director, Maze Theory): Being authentic to the lore of Doctor Who is a key focus in the creative process, we have now spent quite a significant amount of time working closely with the BBC and showrunners ensuring we are in tone with the present seasons.
Story is very much 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 that there was a bigger story to tell relating to the Reality Virus and the 13th Doctor.
We have gone to huge lengths to ensure that we are truly authentic – from using photogrammetry references for the Tardis and Weeping Angels, to ensuring that audio ([both]sounds and music) is inspired by the show. Richard Wilkinson's music has been hugely inspired by past and present eras of the show, and his take stands out as an authentic yet original take on the iconic Doctor Who theme.
Also, working very closely with the BBC allowed us to harness Doctor Who lore to create new foes such as the Tazmas, Hydrocks and a nemesis called the CyberReaper.
What was it like working with Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant on their parts for Edge of Reality? Also, were there any additional challenges in that respect 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 where possible. Jodie Whittaker always gives such an amazing performance as the Doctor – it was really important to us that she was a part of the game.
Then when we looked at the story for Edge of Reality, there was this huge opportunity to introduce a second Doctor as chaos unravels across time and space. The 10th Doctor seemed the natural choice, and one that fans really wanted to see in-game, so we were very excited when David Tennant agreed to come on board.
SG: Both Jodie and David were extremely professional and easy to work with, especially during the pandemic. When we recorded David for example, he wasn’t able to get to a recording studio, so worked from his own recording facility at home.
Another thing we were extremely keen to expand on was that infamous Doctor Who ‘behind the sofa’ moment. It actually made our QA lead jump when he’d finished work for the day! So I think we’ve got that one covered.
For those unfamiliar with the VR game in particular, can you outline the gameplay experience we can expect?
SG: We had to make some changes due to the differences in VR and non-VR mediums. For example, you usually have two controllers in VR – one to represent each hand – but that’s not the case for non-VR platforms. We had to alter some puzzles and elements to work with traditional controllers.
The game itself features various mechanics, including a lot of puzzle solving (both physical in the game world and mental agility puzzles), as well as some action and stealth moments as well.
Another thing we were extremely keen to expand on was that infamous Doctor Who ‘behind the sofa’ moment – those stories that have sent kids scurrying away in terror, but still wanting to watch more. It actually made our QA lead jump when he’d finished work for the day! So I think we’ve got that one covered.
RH: The Edge of Reality is really a narrative adventure where players assist the Doctor in uncovering a universal threat that is destroying reality. In true Doctor Who fashion, you’ll get to explore new worlds and time periods as you race to discover how to stop a virus released across time and space. You’ll come face-to-face with a number of old, favourite (and new, iconic) foes as you explore the narrative, solve puzzles, defeat Daleks, avoid Weeping Angels, encounter the Cybermen and try to escape the Doctor's newest nemesis – the CyberReaper.
The narrative and gameplay has also been greatly expanded and adapted to work best as a flatscreen game.
From a technical viewpoint, what's it been like working with the Switch hardware, and are there any Switch-specific features you've implemented in the game? For example using the Joy-Con in a similar manner to VR controllers in the original?
SG: We really couldn’t retain the use of separate controllers because of changes to the gameplay compared to the VR edition. The main feature we’ve had to work on is the docked/undocked ability of the Switch, paying close attention to those differences during development.
As the Doctor Who IP continues to evolve, how big a role can games play for the franchise, in your opinion?
I think games play a huge role in expanding the Doctor Who IP by allowing deeper fan engagement, but also introducing new audiences to this well-established franchise.
SG: Well, it’s fair to say that the Doctor hasn’t been in many games over the past decade or so. I can think of a handful of titles during that time. I suppose that’s true of all licensed IP. In the '80s and '90s, we had a LOT of licensed IP, but I actually see that trend reverting with more and more coming through. It’ll certainly be interesting to watch.
RH: I think games play a huge role in expanding the Doctor Who IP by allowing deeper fan engagement, but also introducing new audiences to this well-established franchise. I think the big focus for any IP entering in the gaming sector is to focus on being true to the medium and really exploring its potential in this space, not just strapping on some well known game mechanics.
Do you have a final message regarding Edge of Reality, for Doctor Who fans old and new?
SG: We’ve tried to entertain Whovians out there 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 for years. [winks]
RH: The Edge of Reality narrative takes you on a great and varied adventure touching on many genres, from action to sci-fi and horror. For fans, there are some great Easter Eggs and narrative ties into the Whoniverse… and if you’re new to the franchise then Edge of Reality is also a great entry into the world of Doctor Who, as you really don't need any prior knowledge.
We'd like to thank Stewart Gilray and Russell Harding for their time. Doctor Who: Edge of Reality arrives on the Switch eShop on 30th September.
Comments 28
I actually quite fancy this. Should be a nice way to close the Whittaker era. God I wish she was staying on now that RTD is coming back.
Looking forward to this. I've only ever seen eps with the 13th Doctor. I like that you don't have to actually be a Doctor Who fan to play...I've only seen a few episodes.
This sounds good! I haven't bought The Lonely Assassins yet so it would be nice to have a physical release of both games together.
@nessisonett I wonder if she'll be back for the 60th. Although that will probably be literally the episode after she leaves so that would be a bit weird.
@Dogorilla Perhaps she’ll regenerate in the 60th? Although it would be weird for Chibs not to write her regeneration.
@nessisonett I think she's supposed to regenerate in the last of the three specials coming out next year.
I enjoyed the hell out of this on my Quest 1, not sure how great the experience will be "flat" I really hope it holds up
@nessisonett Right, she's SUCH a great doctor. In fact, she's my favorite since Tennant.
@Harmonie I’ve had my issues with the writing and it all being a little bland but Whittaker is a very good Doctor. Maybe she’ll be redeemed like how Colin Baker has!
It's such an exciting series the latest one, so many adventures on earth, earth, earth and - my favourite - the one on earth.
@Lordplops Was the latest one starring Jon Pertwee? 😛
I'm in agreement that she's been a really great Doctor in spite of the uneven writing. I say uneven as I don't think it's been all bad. It would have been nice to see what RTD could have done with her.
I also am not trying to start any arguments or deep discussions. But I really hope this isn't the last time the Doctor is played by a woman. I know when things don't go 100% as planned, there's a tendency to do the safe thing and revert back to what was. Not saying the next Doctor has to be a woman. Just hope when the opportunity arises and they find the right actress for whatever story they want to tell, they don't shy away. I also hope the next time they do have a female Doctor, they actually explore the things that do come with being a woman. Maybe not even actual storylines. But just some of the small, day to day things women have to put up with. Probably more geared towards the Doctor's Earth interactions
I also would like to see different types of actors play the Doctor. Not only including a black actor. We know the Doctor has always wanted to be a ginger. A chubby Doctor would even be interesting
such a shame jodi didnt get better writting she could of been amazing. i hope they dont give up on having a female doctor.
I hope this game will be at least a 6/10. Previous pc & vr version got a 60/100 and 50/100 on metacritic. So, my expectations are tempered. Thanks for the update NL.
@nessisonett @Dogorilla Wow, just saw this. Russell T Davies has returned as showrunner for doctor who!<333
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58682472
@res1080p : why does what genitals the doctor has or hasn’t got matter to you?
Dr Who is a show with a lot of potential but ruined by terrible creative decisions. Jodie Whittaker is a good actress, who is given terrible scripts. The BBC is a terrible company but I won't list the reasons here. Needless to say, I won't be getting this game.
Jodie Whittaker was the worst Doctor Who ever. FACT! For that reason I'll be passing on this one (even if David Tennant was one of the best ever Doctors. And that ladies and gentleman is also a fact.)
@Clammy sounds like it matters to you more ....
and to be totally honest i believe there are loads of actresses that would be great as the doctor just like there are loads of actors that would be great , it doesnt matter to me if the doctor is a man or woman as long as they can act.
@WoomyNNYes Yep, I'm very excited about that!
@Ryu_Niiyama i have only seen the old episodes from the 80’s but maybe i will try the new one if it’s good
I'm so relieved RTD is coming back to save the show. We might have spinoffs and Christmas specials again! Perhaps more novels and games too.
I'll give this one a go but I've heard mixed things. The only good Who games I've played were the Adventure Games on PC.
The real question now is will RTD be able to do what he wants with the forward progression of the series, especially given his pedigree and influence since he left over eleven years ago, or will the big wig execs at BBC strongarm him into safe, easily digestible derivative garbage?
Another thing to note, DW has literally ALWAYS been political; to cry foul that recent DW has been too PC, SJW pandering, or whatever, I always ignore these outcries.
Calling foul for Chibbs simply being an awful writer and terrible show runner is acceptable, however.
@Nameless_Shame I have to admit it’s hilarious seeing people saying that RTD will save the show from being so ‘woke’. Yes, the man behind Queer as Folk and It’s A Sin will ‘unwoke’ Doctor Who 😂
Any idea how much this is gonna be?
My only question is, "is it getting a physical release or is it digital only?"
@Lordplops,
Very funny.
@Nameless_Shame I mean Chibnall isn't a terrible writer/awful showrunner. If you don't like his style of writing that is perfectly acceptable though, it's all subjective at the end of the day. We don't all like the same things!
Doctor Who used to be a great program. Too bad they ruined it.
And Russel T. Davies returning? I suppose it will at least be better than what we have now now, but honestly, I got really tired of his version of Doctor Who and was thrilled when both he and David Tennant left the show. We had a terrific run of "Nu Who" with Stephen Moffat at the helm and Matt Smith and later Peter Capaldi in the title role, but then after that, it all went to *****. Maybe RTD can pull off a second miracle like he did in 2005 and revive a series that most fans have written off, but as the saying goes, "Hope for the best, but expect the worst."
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