7th Guest is a PC game first released in 1993.
Produced by Trilobyte Games, it is known for being one of the first games to be released on CD-ROM, having received a lot attention for adding in live-action clips, and having sold over two million copies. Despite the success of
Now, Darkstone Entertainment is working on developing a web series based on the game. Known for making horror films, the independent company from Charlottesville, Virginia is working in association with Trilobyte Games on a 10 episode season. The creator of the series, John Johnson, took the time to talk to me about it and what to expect.
CGM: Why did you want to turn this game into a web series?
John Johnson: I, like many, found this game at a young age and was heavily influenced by it as far as my taste in film and even further into my creativity as a filmmaker. So I thought, why not? Let’s see if they’d be interested in a series. Turns out they were. Good times all around.
CGM: How did the two companies come to an agreement on this?
JJ: A little back and forth on ideas and story. Rob Landeros and I saw eye-to-eye very quickly and had similar ideas on where the series should go. He has been very giving on letting me stretch my legs on the creative side while keeping a close eye to make sure we stay true to the games. I could not ask for a better creative relationship and mentor. Since this series will be considered canon, there is a lot of pressure not fail Rob, as well as the fans.
CGM: What can you tell me about the storyline?
JJ: It takes place after The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour in modern times, and will be a sequel to the story. It does not take place in the Stauf mansion directly, but a neighboring site that Stauf found his way to. Can’t say too much more, but when the teaser releases in October, some questions will be answered and others formed!
CGM: The new series is supposed to be a continuation of the games. How much prior knowledge will the audience need to understand it?
JJ: None. It will be designed to bring everyone up to speed on the story moving forward. But I will say this: Those who played the games will catch easter eggs and nods to the original games. There is kinda something for old and new 7th Guest players!
CGM: What kind of feel will it have? (Cheesy? Thriller? Absolute horror?)
JJ: It will be a little darker than the games in the horror genre, but still have its playful cheesy side that we all fell in love with.
CGM: Where will the web series be released?
JJ: No distribution avenues have been chosen yet. We can definitely say online is the goal, but we shall keep everyone updated as we go!
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