How Dispatch Turned a Pandemic Setback into a Must-Play Telltale-Style Adventure
How Dispatch Evolved from a Live-Action Comedy to a Telltale-Style Game
Dispatch has quite the story behind its creation. Founded in 2018 by former Telltale developers Michael Choung, Nick Herman, Dennis Lenart, and Pierre Shorette, AdHoc Studio initially aimed to explore multimedia beyond just games. However, the pandemic shifted their focus, transforming Dispatch into the narrative-driven game fans are now eager to try.
- The origins of AdHoc Studio and its initial live-action project
- How COVID-19 changed their plans
- Dispatch’s gameplay and story details
- The unique office vibe inspired by SportsCenter commercials
- Player choices and narrative branching in Dispatch
- Release plans and platforms
From Live-Action Comedy to Interactive Narrative
AdHoc’s first big project was a live-action superhero workplace comedy inspired by ESPN’s “This Is SportsCenter” commercials, where athletes interact humorously in an office environment. As Nick Herman explained, the deadpan humor and odd office setting created a “cool vibe” that shaped the project’s tone. But just as production was about to begin, COVID-19 hit, halting the live-action idea.
That setback pushed AdHoc to pivot. Instead of scrapping the concept, they transformed it into Dispatch—a choice-based, dialogue-heavy game. Set in a world where former superheroes handle desk jobs, Dispatch puts players in the shoes of Robert Robertson, played by Aaron Paul. Once a superhero known as Mecha Man, Robertson now manages a team of ex-villains at the Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN), trying to find joy in an unglamorous office job.
A Unique Office Setting and Characters
Originally, the office was envisioned as a rundown strip mall with a Baskin-Robbins next door, emphasizing a deliberately “shitty” workplace vibe. However, switching to a game format allowed AdHoc to reimagine the SDN office with a more modern, appealing look—though it still carries a slightly outdated feel. Herman noted that Dispatch’s office culture, with cubicles and no remote work, feels a bit “dated” but fits the game’s humor and setting perfectly.
Robertson’s team isn’t your typical superhero squad; it’s a group of misfit “ex-villains” who bring both chaos and comedy to the mix. The gameplay revolves around dispatching these characters on various missions like stopping robberies or rescuing cats. Initially, the team was smaller, but expanding it made the gameplay more engaging and dynamic.
Player Choice and Narrative Depth
Being former Telltale developers, AdHoc places a strong emphasis on player agency. Choices matter, and characters remember the decisions you make, influencing the story and its endings. Herman openly admits, “Yeah, it’s hard. That’s the short answer. It’s hard.” But they approach it like writing multiple TV shows, crafting various story threads and endings organically.
Instead of flooding the game with dozens of endings, the team focuses on quality over quantity. Herman explained, “We want to allow [players] to invest in those relationships and have meaningful consequences.” The goal is to create endings that feel satisfying and earned, not just numerous.
Release Plans and How to Experience Dispatch Now
Dispatch is currently scheduled for a 2025 release with PC as the confirmed platform. Console versions are planned but not officially announced yet. Until then, players can try out the Steam demo to get a taste of the game’s humor and gameplay.
For those curious about the quirky office humor that inspired Dispatch, checking out some of ESPN’s iconic SportsCenter commercials is a must. One fan favorite features Scott Van Pelt taking LeBron James’ throne—never gets old!
