The following is an interview with writer Josh Viola (co-founder, Bit Bot Media) regarding the recent release of The Rocky Horror Show video game, in collaboration with FreakZone Games and Bit Bot Media’s Metal X Entertainment. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Viola about working with FreakZone Games’ Sam Beddoes to bring the cult-classic musical to the 8-bit video game format, what he’s most excited for players to experience, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of The Rocky Horror Show video game! On the heels of the original stage production’s 50th anniversary, what has been your experience in adding to this cult-classic show’s enduring legacy?
Josh Viola: Thanks so much! It’s been an amazing experience bringing The Rocky Horror Show to life in a new way with the video game. Working with FreakZone Games has been a blast, and I love that we’re adding another layer to the musical’s already rich legacy. Seeing fans engage with the game and enjoy those classic songs in a whole new format has been super rewarding. It’s an honor to help keep the spirit of Rocky Horror alive!
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with FreakZone Games’ Sam Beddoes to adapt the story and beloved songs to an 8-bit format?
JV: FreakZone Games’ Sam Beddoes is an incredibly talented game developer. My background is mostly in art and writing for games, like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Smurfs, so working with Sam on the overall creative vision was super rewarding. Honestly, he had everything under control—he’s such a big fan of this IP that he totally knows what the fans want. It made the whole creative process smooth and enjoyable to collaborate with someone who really gets it! The music is all Sam, and he totally knocked it out of the park! Honestly, the songs are my favorite part of the game—they’re just that good.
BD: What can you share with us about your own love for the Rocky Horror franchise, and how do you feel that existing and new fans will enjoy the gameplay experience?
JV: I’ve been a fan of Rocky Horror for a long time. There’s just something about its wild energy and catchy music that keeps pulling me back in. I think both existing fans and newcomers are going to have a blast with the gameplay. The retro vibe really captures the spirit of the show, and the music will definitely get stuck in your head. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering it, I think everyone will find something to love about it.
BD: Bit Bot Media has truly been taking the entertainment industry by storm, with The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver – The Dead Shall Rise graphic novel having raised more than $1.4 million on Kickstarter. What are you most excited about as you look forward to the company’s growth in the years to come?
JV: We’ve got a ton of exciting projects in the pipeline! We’re co-producing a reboot of the Deathstalker series with Slash from Guns N’ Roses, directed by the mastermind behind Psycho Goreman and The Void. Plus, we’re working on a sequel to the cult classic film Deathgasm, from the director of Guns Akimbo. We’re also set to release a limited edition Blu-ray for the new film Frankie Freako, directed by Steven Kostanski, and we have more physical film releases planned for later this year and into next. On top of that, we’re launching a line of licensed apparel for The Terminator and Evil Dead 2, along with more video games, comics, and merch. We’re definitely keeping busy!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Rocky Horror Show video game?
JV: You can get the game for Nintendo Switch here, or for PC via Steam here.
