The Scottish games ecosystem is about far more than just code and consoles. It is an industry built on the foundations of world-class storytelling and the ability to build immersive universes that can exist across multiple media. Which is why the latest project from the Edinburgh-based studio SuperForest is so interesting.
The studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Little Bird, a fantasy novel, the first book in the studio’s The Life and Death of Sibyl Wylt series. While this specific project is a literary one, SuperForest’s identity as a studio that produces both books and games makes it a fascinating player in the games community.
Anticipation for the project was high, with the Kickstarter reaching its initial goal in less than two hours. SuperForest is now adding stretch goals from paperback versions to audiobooks. With 29 days to go, there’s still time to back the project and secure your copy of the book.
The Strategic Value of Cross-Media IP
SuperForest’s approach is a textbook example of the More Than Games philosophy. By developing intellectual property (IP) across the printed page and the interactive screen, the studio is building an innovative, narrative-led business model that sets it apart from the normal digital-first approach.
In the global market, IP is the most valuable currency we have. When a studio like SuperForest creates a world as rich and evocative as the one found in Little Bird, it is not just writing a book; it is building the blueprints for future interactive experiences. This kind of cross-media agility is exactly what will allow Scotland to leapfrog other regions and secure its place as a leader in the global creative technology economy.
Supporting the Campaign
The Little Bird Kickstarter offers a range of rewards for backers, from digital editions and physical hardbacks to custom-made, hand-bound limited editions. Beyond the project itself, backing SuperForest is a way of supporting the growth of an up-and-coming Edinburgh studio that is pushing the boundaries of how we define a ‘games’ company.
The campaign is a reminder that our community is home to pioneers who are as comfortable with prose as they are with programming. As we continue to work on Project Pathfinder and bridge the gap between our creative sectors, I’d love to see more of this kind of crossover work being celebrated and funded.
Support the Kickstarter here: Little Bird by SuperForest
Learn more about the studio: SuperForest Ltd