Pierre Shorette, writer for the indie game Dispatch, has expressed regret over removing sex scenes from the final release of AdHoc's episodic superhero workplace comedy. The first series concluded with episodes seven and eight, highlighting player investments in the game's romance options. Shorette shared these reflections in an interview, amid the game's strong sales and potential for a second season.
Background on Dispatch
Dispatch is an episodic narrative adventure developed by indie studio AdHoc, blending superhero dispatching missions with character-driven stories. Players manage a team of antiheroes handling calls ranging from stuck cats to bomb threats, while making choices that shape relationships through cinematics and dialogue. The game draws comparisons to titles like The Wolf Among Us and Tales from the Borderlands, incorporating elements of romance amid its comedic and dramatic tones.
Romance and Cut Content
In Dispatch, players can pursue romantic relationships with two characters: Blonde Blazer or Invisgal, the latter featuring a steamy dream sequence involving the protagonist, Robert. These options, though not central, became a meaningful aspect for fans, contributing to the game's "ravenous" reception. Shorette, speaking to Inverse, admitted his tendency toward romantic comedy in writing but aimed for a more serious tone.
"One of my secret shames is I think I default to romantic comedy in my writing and my whole life. I'm trying to pull out of that and make things more serious," Shorette said. He noted the team's surprise at the romance elements' popularity, which led to limited options initially.
Reflecting on development challenges, Shorette revealed that sex scenes were cut from the final version. "We definitely cut some sex scenes. Which, in retrospect, we shouldn't have," he laughed, hinting they might appear someday. As an indie studio, AdHoc faced budget constraints, with high production costs for visuals limiting branching narratives. "We're still an indie studio, I think people forget that because it's doing so well and looks so good. But because it looks good, it costs a lot per second to make this video game," Shorette explained.
Success and Future
Earlier this year, Dispatch sold over 1 million copies in just 10 days, prompting discussions for a second season. Shorette emphasized the game's balance: "So if we can have people freak out at seeing a wiener on screen, laugh at a fart joke, and then somehow cry at the end of all that. I'm happy it's working." The title's success has also spotlighted AdHoc's work on the upcoming Critical Role game, praised for its engaging presentation.