June's Journey Expands into Publishing with Bestselling Novel
Wooga's mobile game June's Journey has successfully transitioned into the literary world with the novel Death Wasn’t Invited: A June's Journey Mystery, co-authored by Carlene O'Connor and published by Titan Books. This original whodunit, set in 1920s Paris, follows June Parker as she investigates a murder during an elite engagement celebration. Released earlier this year, the book has quickly become a USA Today bestseller, aimed at both existing fans of the game and new readers unfamiliar with June's Journey.
Dennis Korf, Wooga's managing director, emphasized that the move into publishing was about expanding the narrative universe of June's Journey rather than creating a mere spin-off. The game’s strong narrative focus, characterized by engaging characters and the vibrant atmosphere of the roaring twenties, made the novel a fitting next step. Korf noted that the book serves as a means to introduce June to a broader audience, particularly to readers who enjoy historical mysteries.
O’Connor, who was initially unfamiliar with the game, became intrigued after researching and playing it. Her background in crafting cozy, character-driven mysteries made her a suitable choice for this project. Korf expressed that O'Connor's previous work aligned perfectly with the storytelling style of June's Journey, allowing her to create a narrative that resonates with the game's existing lore and characters.
The collaborative process between O’Connor and Wooga's writing team was essential in ensuring authenticity. O’Connor highlighted her commitment to staying true to June Parker's character, collaborating closely with the game's head and senior writers. This partnership involved developing a detailed outline and engaging in regular brainstorming sessions, which helped shape the mystery and maintain the integrity of the established universe.
Once the story's structure was in place, Wooga's writers stepped back to allow O’Connor the creative freedom necessary for novel writing. Korf explained that a novelist requires space to breathe, emphasizing the importance of trusting the author once the foundational elements were established.
O’Connor faced the unique challenge of balancing her creative voice with the established characters beloved by June's Journey players. She aimed to deepen June's voice and add fresh dimensions to her character while being mindful of the existing fanbase. Korf also noted the need for the novel to satisfy both longtime players and newcomers, ensuring it carved out its own narrative lane while being respectful of the game’s story.
Why it matters
This venture reflects a growing trend of games expanding into other media, illustrating the potential for transmedia storytelling in the gaming industry.
Original source
PocketGamer.biz
