Inkle's Heaven's Vault originally began its journey as a Doctor Who game before transforming into the unique archaeological adventure known today. This narrative-driven title, which debuted in 2019, was envisioned with the aim of combining elements of exploration and storytelling, reflecting the initial inspirations from the iconic BBC series. Jon Ingold, Inkle's narrative director, shared that after their successful game 80 Days, they were approached by the BBC to pitch for multiple properties, leading to the development of a concept called The Daedalus Effect. This idea revolved around a perilous asteroid scenario inspired by the Doctor Who universe. Unfortunately, the BBC did not pursue the project further, prompting Inkle to pivot and create an original title. This creative independence ultimately allowed Heaven's Vault to evolve into a more ambitious narrative focused on archaeology and history, while retaining some thematic elements from Doctor Who, such as the adventurous spirit and character dynamics. The success of Heaven's Vault has led to a continued investment in its universe, including novels and further projects.

How did Heaven's Vault start as a Doctor Who game?

Heaven's Vault began as a Doctor Who game concept called The Daedalus Effect, but after the BBC did not follow up on the pitch, Inkle decided to develop their own original IP, leading to the creation of Heaven's Vault.

Heaven's Vault is set in a richly designed world with an intricate story, where players take on the role of Aliya Elasra, an archaeologist exploring the history of the Nebula. Developed by Inkle, known for their narrative-focused titles, Heaven's Vault is characterized by its unique storytelling mechanics and player-driven exploration. The game has garnered a devoted community interested in its lore, with extensions such as novels that further develop its plot and characters. Inkle's success with this title showcases their creative versatility and commitment to innovative storytelling in video games.