Pinkerton Road Studio

Pinkerton Road Studio is known for creating games that emphasize strong storytelling, complex characters, and engaging puzzles. The studio aims to revive and sustain the classic adventure game genre by blending modern technology with traditional gameplay elements.

Pinkerton Road Studio have played a crucial role in the resurgence of interest in adventure games, particularly those with rich narratives and detailed world-building. The studio’s work has influenced many modern adventure game developers, encouraging a focus on story and character development.

Founders

• Jane Jensen: A celebrated game designer and writer, best known for her work on the Gabriel Knight series and her contributions to the adventure game genre.
• Robert Holmes: A composer and musician who has created memorable scores for many of Jane Jensen’s games, including the Gabriel Knight series.

Examples of Pinkterton games

Moebius: Empire Rising (2014)

• Genre: Adventure, Point-and-Click
• Synopsis: Players take on the role of Malachi Rector, a brilliant antiques dealer and historian who is hired by a secret organization to investigate a series of events linked to historical patterns.
• Features: The game combines puzzle-solving, exploration, and a deep storyline with a focus on historical and esoteric themes.
• Release: The game was published for Microsoft Windows, OS X and Linux by Phoenix Online Publishing in 2014.
• Reception: The game got mixed reviews from critics and received an average score of 60.00% on GameRankings. At Metacritic, its weighted score was 54/100.

Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers 20th Anniversary Edition (2014)

• Genre: Adventure, Point-and-Click
• Synopsis: A remake of the classic 1993 game, this edition features updated graphics, re-recorded voice acting, and new puzzles while retaining the original’s gripping narrative about a New Orleans bookstore owner investigating a series of voodoo murders.
• Features: Enhanced visuals, modernized interface, remastered soundtrack, and additional content that expands on the original story – including new puzzles and game play.
• Release: The game was released by Phoenix Online Studios for Windows and Mac on October 15, 2014. A version of the game for Android and iOS was released on July 23, 2015. When the game was originally announced, a Linux version was said to be coming, but this was later changed and no Linux version was ever released.

Additional info:

• The MP3 soundtrack was unlocked for all buyers on 2013-12-13.
• Jane Jensen created a three-part comic based on the Anniversary Edition. The events in the comic take place six months after the last game quest (“The Temptation”). The first part of the comic was released in on December 17, 2014, and was eventually followed by the second and third part.

Crowdfunding and Community Involvement

Pinkerton Road Studio successfully utilized Kickstarter to fund their initial projects, including “Moebius: Empire Rising” and the “Gabriel Knight” remake.

On April 10, 2012, Jane Jensen launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the development of three games, including Moebius and Mystery Game X. The goal was to crowdfund $300,000 but the campaign raised a total of $435,316 from 5,836 backers. The $300,000 goal was reached by May 7 and the campaign ended on May 19.

The studio maintains a close relationship with its fan base, often involving them in the development process through updates, beta testing, and feedback sessions.

Challenges and future prospects

As an independent studio, Pinkerton Road faces the typical challenges of funding, resource management, and market competition.

On April 29, 2016, Pinkerton Road announced that its forums would close on May 6 due to Moebius: Empire Rising and Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers – 20^th Anniversary Edition not selling well.

It is also worth noting that two major Pinkerton projects – Anglophile Adventure and Gray Matter 2 – were cancelled before completion.

Still, the studio´s well-established reputation and dedicated fan base provide a solid foundation for future projects, as Pinkerton continues to explore new technologies and platforms to enhance their storytelling capabilities and reach broader audiences.

Final thoughts

Pinkerton Road Studio, under the guidance of Jane Jensen and Robert Holmes, has made significant contributions to the adventure game genre. By prioritizing narrative depth and character-driven gameplay, the studio has created memorable gaming experiences that resonate with both long-time fans and new players. As they continue to develop new projects, their commitment to high-quality storytelling and innovative game design show great potential.