Snapshot Summary
- Dispatch will have episodes launch over a month.
- This is in line with the developer’s previous experience of having worked in Telltale Games.
- The intent is to replicate a TV series experience and keep the game in conversation for a longer period.
- The first two episodes release on Oct 22nd.
For years, the episodic format, popularized by studios focused on deep character interaction and branching stories, struggled with maintaining player interest due to unpredictable and often lengthy delays between chapters. Now, with the upcoming launch of Dispatch, a new approach is being tested.
The Dispatch Episodic Release Model Explained
The weekly release of Dispatch episodes is based on a four-week schedule. The developers, AdHoc Studio, were founded by former Telltale Games staff, and their debut title naturally adopts an episodic format, but with a drastically accelerated pace compared to its predecessors. The full release schedule is as follows:
| Episodes | Release Date |
|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | October 22 |
| 3 and 4 | October 29 |
| 5 and 6 | November 5 |
| 7 and 8 | November 12 |
Each week will deliver two new episodes, which are estimated to be about an hour in length each. This is like the game getting a comeback every week until it’s done.
Why Does Dispatch Have Weekly Releases?
Dispatch is using a weekly release to turn the game into a weekly ritual, similar to how people watch television or how Battle On has been doing their own games for years. This strategy is intended to keep the game “in the conversation” and avoid the pacing issues that plagued older episodic titles.
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between Weekly and Monthly Episodic Releases?
The key difference lies in momentum and attention span. Monthly releases, which were common for titles like Life is Strange or The Walking Dead, often saw player interest wane during the long gaps, and that also requires players to recall past decisions or even replay previous episodes. The weekly model is designed to keep the attention span of players.
Will I Need to Buy Each Episode Individually, or Is It a Season Pass Model?
Dispatch uses a season pass model. Players can purchase all eight episodes together for $30. A deluxe edition is also available for $40, which includes a digital artbook and four digital comics.
What Is the Total Duration of the Dispatch Episodic Run?
The entire episodic run of Dispatch will be complete in just over one month. The first episodes launch on October 22, and the final episodes drop on November 12.
If I Purchase the Game, Do I Get Immediate Access to All Future Episodes?
Yes, when you purchase the game, you are buying the entire eight-episode season. You will receive immediate access to the first two episodes on launch day, and the remaining Dispatch episodes will unlock on their scheduled weekly release dates.
