In a heartwarming moment that highlights the power of storytelling in gaming, Guillaume Broche’s shoutout to Dispatch at the Golden Joysticks Awards stole the spotlight, proving that even in a competitive industry, genuine admiration can flourish. But here’s where it gets controversial: while both Dispatch and Expedition 33 vie for top honors in multiple categories, their creators have nothing but love and respect for each other—a rare sight in a field often driven by rivalry. Could this be a sign of a shifting culture in game development? Let’s dive in.
Broche, whose Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is poised to dominate the 2025 awards season, took a moment during his 'best storytelling' acceptance speech to praise Dispatch, AdHoc Studios’ narrative adventure game. 'Play Dispatch, it’s very, very cool and has a very good story,' he urged the audience. This small yet powerful gesture wasn’t just a nod to a breakout hit; it was a reminder that collaboration and mutual respect can thrive even among competitors. And this is the part most people miss: in an industry often criticized for its cutthroat nature, moments like these restore faith in the creative community.
Dispatch has been a standout for me this year, and I’m thrilled to see AdHoc Studios—a team that rose from the ashes of Telltale Games—finally get their moment in the sun. Beneath its superpowered exterior, Dispatch delivers a grounded, episodic story that captivated players week after week. The hype around Robert Robertson III and the Z-Team grew exponentially, player counts soared, and fan theories about its stellar cast reached new heights. It’s no surprise Dispatch earned a nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards, but as creative director Dennis Lenart and narrative designer Polly Raguimov shared, the response exceeded their wildest dreams.
‘It’s always nice [being nominated],’ Lenart admitted. ‘We were just focused on finishing the game. After the finale, we spent days detoxing, bug fixing, and stepping out of years of tunnel vision. So, hearing the praise felt like it came out of left field. It’s surreal.’
Raguimov, who’s spent countless hours watching streamers play Dispatch to spot bugs, found herself moved by players’ reactions. ‘I’ve played the game so many times that I’m used to it, but seeing others experience it fills me with so much love,’ she said. As a narrative designer, she was particularly touched by Broche’s shoutout. ‘That means so much,’ she gushed. ‘To pause your own speech to highlight another game—especially in the same category—is massive. His words about our story felt really, really cool.’
Lenart echoed this sentiment, drawing a parallel to the camaraderie among developers who champion storytelling in games. ‘It’s like finding someone who shares your passion for skating or music,’ he explained. ‘In the games industry, there’s a bond among those who value narrative. When you see it done well, you can’t help but appreciate it.’
But here’s the bold question: Is this mutual respect a sign of a broader shift in the industry, or just a rare exception? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.
As for Expedition 33, its opening hour is hands down the best I’ve experienced in a non-episodic narrative game in years. I won’t spoil it—you’ll have to play it yourself—but Raguimov’s reaction says it all: ‘I’ve never had a game make me cry so quickly before. That was impressive.’ Lenart simply added, ‘Incredible stuff.’
In a world where competition often overshadows collaboration, Dispatch and Expedition 33 remind us that great storytelling transcends rivalry. So, which game will you play first? And more importantly, do you think this spirit of camaraderie can reshape the gaming industry? Let the debate begin!
