Minecraft developers will be working together with Telltale Games to develop a series of games set in the world of Minecraft, as announced on Telltale’s official blog.
“Minecraft: Story Mode — A Telltale Games Series” , the episodic series, will be compatible with PC, console and mobile devices. It is reported to be set for release in 2015.
The new game will be “driven by player choice” and will be marketed as a standalone game, not an expansion of Minecraft.
Telltale has a portfolio of popular licensed game titles which include The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Back to the Future. The studio will most likely leave its signature style on the new series. In previous games, Telltale usually let’s players play their favourite characters or new characters and gives an interesting perspective to let elements of the storyline.
“Telltale’s series will mix new characters with familiar themes, in an entirely original Minecraft experience, inspired by the Minecraft community and the game that continues to inspire a generation,” Telltale said.
In Minecraft’s case there are no developed characters to go on. A game comprises of the silent protoganist and randomly computer generated villagers and monsters.
Although this could prove challenging to the writers, it could also prove as an opportunity to further build it into a multi-billion dollar franchise.
Minecraft’s popularity with children has led to partnerships with major toymakers like Lego. Franchises with lovable characters inspire expansion into the TV and movie industry.