The Plucky Squire, created by former Pokémon art director James Turner, mixes 2D and 3D worlds in a magical adventure, earning praise as one of the year’s most anticipated indie games

James Turner, known for his work as the art director on Pokémon Sword and Shield, has taken a leap into the indie gaming world with The Plucky Squire, a game that blends classic fairy tale elements with an innovative twist. The story follows Jot, the titular “Plucky Squire,” as he embarks on a mission to save the Land of Mojo from the evil wizard Humgrump. While the setup mirrors traditional hero-villain dynamics, the real magic of the game lies in its blend of 2D and 3D gameplay, allowing Jot to traverse both the pages of a storybook and the world outside.

Turner drew inspiration from the picture books he read to his son, sparking the idea of a character who can jump between dimensions. The game’s mechanics allow players to experience this imaginative twist firsthand, transforming everyday objects like paintbrushes and cardboard cutouts into massive obstacles for Jot to navigate in the real world. The game’s first trailer, released during the 2022 Summer Game Fest, wowed audiences when Jot leapt from his 2D storybook world into the 3D surroundings of a cluttered desktop, filled with art supplies that now appear gigantic to the pint-sized hero.

The project has been a long time coming for Turner, who teamed up with fellow game designer Jonathan Biddle to found All Possible Futures. Despite living on opposite sides of the globe—Turner in the UK and Biddle in Australia—the pair managed to collaborate remotely and built a team of developers scattered across different time zones. Although the game was initially slated for release in 2023, Turner and Biddle opted to delay it to 2024 to fine-tune the details, a decision they say was tough but necessary.

The positive response to The Plucky Squire‘s unique gameplay and charming narrative has reinforced Turner’s belief that taking creative risks pays off. With glowing reviews already rolling in, The Plucky Squire is poised to become one of the standout indie games of the year.

Analysis:

Political:

On a deeper level, The Plucky Squire offers commentary on creative freedom in the gaming industry. James Turner’s journey from working on major Pokémon titles to founding his own studio is emblematic of the broader trend of developers moving from large, corporate environments to independent ventures where they have greater control over their projects. This shift reflects a growing disillusionment with the constraints of big-budget gaming and highlights the value of indie development as a space where creators can experiment without the pressure of meeting commercial expectations. Turner’s move also echoes the ongoing debate in the industry about the balance between artistic vision and the demands of the marketplace.

Social:

The Plucky Squire taps into our universal love for storytelling and childhood imagination. By allowing Jot to literally jump off the pages of his storybook, the game brings to life a fantasy many of us have had—wishing our favourite characters could come to life. The game’s design bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and modern gaming, making it a family-friendly experience that resonates with both younger and older players. Furthermore, the collaboration between Turner and Biddle, who are based in different parts of the world, also highlights the social implications of remote teamwork in an increasingly digital world. The global spread of the game’s development team mirrors the growing trend of distributed collaboration, which is now more feasible due to advances in communication technology.

Gender:

While The Plucky Squire doesn’t centre on gender issues, its design and story emphasize inclusivity and accessibility. By using a whimsical fairy tale setting, the game breaks free from traditional gendered narratives often seen in the action-adventure genre, where male heroes dominate and female characters are relegated to secondary roles. Instead, The Plucky Squire offers a gender-neutral protagonist in Jot, allowing players of all backgrounds to connect with the character and story without the baggage of stereotypical roles. This approach reflects broader industry trends toward inclusivity and diversity in game design, catering to a more varied audience.

Economic:

From an economic perspective, the success of The Plucky Squire could be seen as a testament to the financial viability of indie games in a market typically dominated by AAA titles. Turner’s transition from working on large-scale, multi-million dollar franchises like Pokémon to independently developing The Plucky Squire highlights the growing appeal of indie gaming. By relying on a smaller budget and a more focused creative team, All Possible Futures can take risks that larger companies might avoid. The decision to delay the game’s release—despite pressure from publisher Devolver Digital—also speaks to the economic realities of game development, where quality and reputation often outweigh immediate financial gain. If The Plucky Squire achieves commercial success, it could further solidify the position of indie games as legitimate competitors in the broader gaming market.