British indie studio Inkle has revealed its latest project, TR-49, a narrative game blending audio-book elements with deduction puzzles centered on decoding secret World War II-era books. Drawing inspiration from titles like The Return of the Obra Dinn, the game stems from a personal family discovery. It is set for release in January.
Game Overview
TR-49 combines audio storytelling and interactive deduction, revolving around a found-footage concept where players decipher garbled text from 50 previously unknown books tied to World War II codebreaking efforts. The narrative unfolds through voice acting by performers including Rebekah McLoughlin, known for The SCP Archives and Eternal Threads; Paul Warren, from A Highland Song and The Séance of Blake Manor; and Phillipe Bosher, who has appeared in Baldur's Gate 3 and Doctor Who.
Development Background
The game's concept originated with Inkle co-founder Jon Ingold, whose great-uncle contributed to codebreaking at Bletchley Park, the British site where Alan Turing and others developed the Enigma Machine to intercept German communications. While sorting through his uncle's attic, Ingold discovered unusual electronics and the mysterious books that now anchor the game's puzzles. Inkle, celebrated for titles such as Heaven's Vault, the Steve Jackson's Sorcery! series, and A Highland Song—a poetic exploration of Scottish highlands—shifts here to a historical mystery format.
Context and Inspirations
Inkle's previous release, A Highland Song, captured the essence of mountain immersion through folklore and music, earning praise for its atmospheric depth. TR-49 marks a departure, emphasizing historical intrigue and puzzle-solving. As Inkle continues to innovate in narrative-driven indie gaming, this announcement highlights the studio's ability to weave personal history into engaging experiences.