Bob Mortimer's Role in 'Murals' Boosts Dlala Studios' Shift to Independent Game Development

September 14, 2026
Bob Mortimer's Role in 'Murals' Boosts Dlala Studios' Shift to Independent Game Development
  • Mortimer’s involvement is a central differentiator for Murals, injecting humor and broadening appeal to both Mortimer’s fans and gamers.

  • His participation signals a major boost for Murals, aligning with Dlala Studios’ strengths in hand-drawn aesthetics, humor, and accessible, yet deep, combat.

  • Dlala Studios, founded in 2012 by Aj Grand-Scrutton and Craig Thomas, grew from a garage operation to a 43-person studio, carving a reputation with Battletoads and Disney Illusion Island before turning to its own IP.

  • The studio’s path moved from work-for-hire on licensed IPs to creating self-owned IP, signaling a shift toward independent creative control.

  • Murals signals a move toward independent ownership and long-term control, contingent on the game’s success.

  • Grand-Scrutton notes the studio has sunk all resources into Murals, but emphasizes payroll caution and the importance of not relying on royalties, prioritizing team stability and creative freedom.

  • Players will collect Eeries, trinkets that modify combat like a chemistry set, adding strategic variety.

  • Murals offers a combat system that is easy to learn but deep, featuring persistent augments (Eeries) and a linear progression with rogue-lite influence.

  • The game blends approachable action with depth, aiming for accessible combat within a linear structure.

  • Grand-Scrutton and lead writer Kelsy Abbott wrote a Mortimer-inspired script overnight, which impressed Mortimer’s agent and secured his involvement.

  • A quick script turnaround and a positive Mortimer response within 48 hours led to his participation in Murals.

  • Bob Mortimer will voice a character in Murals, announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026.

Summary based on 3 sources


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