Crushing Success: The Chaotic Journey of Dispatch and AdHoc Studio's Future

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the first episode of Dispatch by AdHoc Studio. What began as an ambitious venture by Telltale alumni has evolved into one of the biggest surprise hits of 2025. With over 5 million players, the game's success has triggered a whirlwind of celebrations, including a mobile launch and special anniversary editions.

However, this success was hard-won. CEO Michael Choung describes the development as a period of pure pandemonium. The studio worked on all eight episodes right up until the deadline, while simultaneously navigating the complexities of self-publishing and console certification. For AdHoc Studio, the game's popularity didn't just bring rewards—it brought a massive workload as they scrambled to expand the game's presence across multiple platforms.

The road to release was far from certain. The industry had largely turned its back on episodic, narrative-driven comedies, making it difficult to secure traditional publishing deals. After losing their initial publisher, the studio had to fight for every cent. It wasn't until Dispatch was showcased at The Game Awards in December 2024 that Critical Role and other partners stepped in to provide the necessary finishing funds.

When asked about the secret to the game's massive reach, Choung pointed to character depth rather than complex branching paths. He argues that players care more about the emotional weight of small, personal choices—like keeping a promise to a friend—than about massive shifts in the game world. This emotional investment, combined with a massive boost from Steam's front-page visibility and organic growth through streamers, propelled the game to its current heights.

Looking ahead, AdHoc Studio intends to stick with the episodic model, aiming to avoid the irregular release schedules that plagued their previous work. While the studio is exploring potential film and TV adaptations for Dispatch, their primary focus remains on developing original IPs. While a new project hasn't been officially confirmed, Choung suggests that an announcement regarding their next story is imminent.