The Walking Dead: Broken Toys

Telltales’ The Walking Dead shambles along as its penultimate episode is released by Skybound Games

As I’m sure we’re all aware, Telltale Games went under late last year in what came a massive shock for everyone. The developer of story-based, narrative-driven games was well regarded and had several successful franchises under its belt. But, alas, there were turbulent waters beneath the surface, and hidden financial woes brought about its dissolution just a few short months ago. There were cries of empathy for the studio’s team, who were apparently unaware of any problems before the closure.

Fans of their most successful franchise, The Walking Dead, were wont to point out the games unfinished story. What worse fate for a story-teller, after all, than to never complete their narrative? In leapt Skybound Games, and offered contracts to a number of Telltale employees, in order to finish off their years-long project. These original devs are known as the #stillnotbitten team these days.

Skybound

Skybound Games has released the third episode, of four, in the final season of The Walking Dead. Titled “Broken Toys”, we catch up with Clementine as she finds refuge in a secluded school. Along with AJ, a boy orphaned by the zombie apocalypse, Clem must build a life, and try to become a leader.

“After years on the road facing threats both living and dead, a secluded school might finally be Clementine’s chance for a home. But protecting it will mean sacrifice. In this gripping, emotional final season, your choices will define your relationships and determine how Clementine’s story ends.”

These final two episodes of The Walking Dead have a significant emotional weight attached. Not only will we say goodbye to a beloved character in Clementine, but it also signals the absolute end of Telltale Games. We can hope, of course, that the #stillnotbitten team will be able to carry on their outstanding work under the Skybound banner. That the studios’ planned games will get developed. The promise of a “Telltale style” Stranger Things game is too good not to happen right? And our promised sequels to Wolf Among Us, and Game of Thrones have to come through?

But then, as The Walking Dead itself has taught us all too often, hope is seldom but a fools’ gambit.

The Walking Dead: Broken Toys is available now for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC in the Epic Games Store. GamEir.