Inkle
Inkle business and news from across the web.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Humble's offering a nearly buck-a-game deal on some of the best reactive narratives out there, including one of my…Humble Bundle is offering a collection of narrative-driven games from developer Inkle, including critically acclaimed titles like 80 Days and Heaven's Vault. The bundle provides multiple tiers of access, with the most comprehensive package costing $20 and including the entire Inkle library along with supplementary books.
The Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle has some lovely narrative puzzle adventure gamesThe Complete Inkle Library Humble Bundle is now available, featuring a collection of narrative puzzle adventure games from Inkle. The bundle includes titles such as Heaven's Vault, Expelled!, A Highland Song, and the Sorcery! series, with most games verified for Steam Deck compatibility. A four-part novel based on Heaven's Vault is also included.- On SaleSeveral games are currently on sale on Steam, including Monster Hunter Wilds with a 58% discount and Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash with a 75% discount. HELLMART is available for 25% off, and a sale is also active for The Complete Inkle Library.
- The Complete Inkle Library on Humble: 11 games for $12, plus Heaven's Vault ebook dealInkle has partnered with Humble and Breakthrough T1D Play to offer a bundle of 11 of their narrative games for $12, available until July 1. The bundle includes titles like Heaven's Vault, 80 Days, and Steve Jackson's Sorcery!, with a portion of sales supporting type 1 diabetes research. Additionally, four Heaven's Vault ebooks are available in a separate $20 tier.
Inkle's Jon Ingold on why self-publishing is where it's atInkle co-founder Jon Ingold argues that self-publishing offers greater freedom and control over intellectual property, despite potential benefits from publishers like marketing and distribution. Ingold highlights Inkle's success with titles like 80 Days and TR-49, emphasizing the ability to experiment with game design and pricing without publisher interference. While acknowledging the marketing advantages publishers can offer, Ingold ultimately advocates for developers to maintain ownership and flexibility.
Inkle co-founder explains how TR-49 broke even in three hoursInkle co-founder Jon Ingold revealed that their latest game, TR-49, broke even within three hours of its release due to its low price point and minimal budget. He discussed how the studio's financial model, which doesn't factor in founder salaries for individual game budgets, allows for lower pricing. Ingold also mused on changing consumer perceptions of game pricing on platforms like Steam.- Decode reality in inkle's TR-49, available today on Nintendo SwitchThe narrative deduction game TR-49 by inkle is now available on Nintendo Switch, following its earlier release on PC and iOS. Players will use deduction skills to navigate a machine's archive and find a stolen book. The developer is aware of late-game performance issues on the Switch and has submitted a patch.
- PONCLE KEYNOTE LEADS EXPANDED B2B PROGRAMME AT LONDON GAMES FESTIVALThe London Games Festival has expanded its B2B program, featuring a keynote from Poncle, the studio behind Vampire Survivors. The event includes a two-day Games Finance Market with £247 million in potential investment, a Self-Publishing Toolkit live session, and the first Games For Change London Summit focused on social impact through games. A 'Games meets film' convergence event, Screen Play, will also explore collaborations between creative industries.
"Suck my toes, my darling" - Inkle's book of essays by game writers reveals the secrets behind the worlds we play inInkle has published "The Game Narrative Kaleidoscope," a collection of over 100 essays by game writers and narrative designers covering various aspects of the craft. The book features contributions from notable figures like Jordan Mechner and Rhianna Pratchett, offering insights into creating compelling game worlds and narratives. It is structured to be read non-linearly, with essays exploring themes such as player choice, narrative tension, and the challenges faced by creators in the industry.- Narrative deduction hit TR-49 coming to Nintendo Switch on April 7 -- preorders start today; review copies available this weekThe narrative deduction game TR-49 is launching on Nintendo Switch on April 7 for $6.99 USD, with preorders available now. Developed by inkle, the game previously saw viral success on Steam and iOS. Review copies for the Nintendo Switch version will be distributed this week.
Switch to get acclaimed eerie codebreaking game TR-49 very soon, and at a nice priceThe eerie codebreaking game TR-49 from Inkle will be released on Nintendo Switch on April 7th for $7. Inspired by wartime codebreaking machines like those at Bletchley Park, the game involves scouring a mysterious machine's archive for a lost book. The game received a highly positive review and was Inkle's most successful launch to date.- Narrative deduction game TR-49 slated for Nintendo SwitchInkle has announced that the narrative deduction game TR-49 will be released on Nintendo Switch on April 7, 2026. The game involves interacting with an old computer and is from the award-winning team behind Heaven's Vault, Overboard, and A Highland Song.
CEO of Kitfox Games reckons hundreds of hours playing Civilization could be the secret to the Dwarf Fortress publisher's success: 'Maybe Kitfox wouldn't be as successful if I didn't know how to alternate between science trees and army defences'Tanya X. Short, CEO of Kitfox Games, discusses her gaming habits and how playing games like Civilization has influenced her leadership style. She highlights the importance of 'plate spinning' in managing projects and her fondness for database games and her studio's first title, Moon Hunters.
Book excerpt: The Game Narrative KaleidoscopeThis excerpt discusses the evolution of game writing and narrative design, highlighting how the industry has moved from a peripheral role to a central focus. It emphasizes the diverse approaches and craft involved in modern game storytelling, drawing from various artistic disciplines and featuring contributions from a wide range of industry professionals.