Take a Deeper Look at Tell Me Why with Three New Videos
Hello, goblins! It’s nearly time for the release of Tell Me Why, the next narrative adventure from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios. Tell Me Why is an intimate mystery about two twins, Alyson and Tyler Ronan, who reunite for the first time in ten years after their mother’s death. Upon returning to their childhood home in rural southeastern Alaska, the Ronans uncover secrets about their past using their supernatural bond.
Dontnod Entertainment games are known for rich, intricate stories, stunning scenery, and memorable characters. To give players an introduction to the world of Tell Me Why, we’re sharing a series of dev diaries featuring a few of the game’s many highlights.
The first video shares insights into the Alaskan setting of Tell Me Why, and the steps the team took to create the town of Delos Crossing. Because the region of the world where the game takes place is home to many indigenous communities, it was crucial to the team that they include Alaska Native perspectives at every step of development, including Amelia Wilson, executive director of Huna Heritage Foundation.
Next is a reflection on the significance of characters like Tyler, the first transgender protagonist from a major studio and publisher, and Michael, a queer Tlingit man. Meaningful representations of trans and indigenous experiences are often difficult to come by in mainstream media, in no small part because these voices are so rarely included in the process of creating the characters meant to reflect them. Featured in this video are some of the many individuals who helped bring Tyler’s and Michael’s journeys to life – including August Black, Tyler’s voice actor.
There will be many ways in which players will shape and navigate the twins’ homecoming, and the last video describes some of them in detail. Dontnod game director Florent Guillaume describes the “Rashomon effect” at the heart of Alyson and Tyler’s story; game and level design associate lead Charlène Bogani explains how she and her team set a specific tone around exploring the twins’ childhood home; and lead writer Morgan Lockhart talks about how the twins’ prized possession, the Book of Goblins, will provide both hints and lore for players to puzzle over.
There’s so much more to see and do in Tell Me Why – and the team at Dontnod and Xbox hope you enjoy your time in Delos Crossing!
Tell Me Why’s first chapter releases August 27. The second chapter will be available September 3, and the final chapter will be available September 10. All chapters will be available on Xbox One, and on PC for Windows 10 and Steam. Tell Me Why will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.
Tell Me Why: Chapters 1-3
Xbox Game Studios