Bit Bot Media’s Josh Viola on bringing Rocky Horror Show to life as an 8-bit video game

Josh, it’s great to connect. FreakZone Games has launched a Rocky Horror Show video game. How did this all come about?
I was initially pitching a Rocky Horror Show graphic novel, but the conversation shifted to video games since I had just partnered with FreakZone Games on a different project. The IP holder loved the idea, and we decided to move forward with it.

An interesting pivot! And what made you confident that Rocky Horror had potential in video games?
The narrative was perfect for this kind of experience – the iconic sets, the music, the characters… We immediately saw the potential to transform it into a fun game. And with Rocky Horror being a retro IP, it made perfect sense to create a retro-style video game.

Yes, the 8-bit style really suits the brand! Why do you feel that is?
From the start, I knew it had to be a retro 8-bit game. Not only is FreakZone Games known for that style, but it’s also one of my personal favourites. Given Rocky Horror’s legacy, its release era and the 50th anniversary, it made perfect sense to revitalise the brand with a modern retro twist. For the design and aesthetic, we stayed true to the stage play and the approvals process ensured everything aligned with the original vision.

I’d imagine there’s a few strings you could pull on when it comes to bringing Rocky Horror into video games… What did those early creative conversations look like in terms of establishing what this game should be?
We focused on capturing the essence of Rocky Horror; it’s quirky rebellious spirit and iconic music. We wanted to bring that energy into the gameplay, so it was crucial to decide how we could honour the original while offering a fresh, interactive experience.

A big part of the vision came from Sam Beddoes – the owner of FreakZone Games – who is a huge Rocky Horror fan. This was a dream project for him. He had a clear vision from the start of how to translate the play’s unique vibe into a fun, nostalgic gaming experience. His passion helped guide the direction from day one.

Do you think the team being fans helped the creative process?
Absolutely. Sam is a true Rocky nerd through and through. It’s fantastic because he really gets the IP, so when we brainstorm, we’re completely in sync about what will work for the fans. When it comes to licensed IP, I think it’s essential to approach the project with a fan’s perspective. It helps ensure the product stays true to its roots and resonates with the audience.

Before we start to wrap up, what was the most challenging aspect of development?
Time! Developing any creative project with a deadline is always challenging, and there’s never enough of it. We definitely crunched hard on this one, but in the end, everything came together, and we’re extremely proud of the final product.

Last question: do you feel there’s more potential for cult classic brands to make the leap into video games? Are there any on your wishlist?
Absolutely! We’re currently working on several projects we can’t reveal just yet, but definitely keep an eye out for future FreakZone and Bit Bot Media collaborations… We’ve got some exciting stuff coming your way soon!

There we go, stay tuned! Thanks again Josh.