Jackbox Party Pack 11 Dev Talks Making Fantasy Trivia Game—Legends of Trivia

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Recently, Jackbox Games unveiled “Legends of Trivia,” the latest installment in their collection known as “Jackbox Party Pack 11.” Known for their trivia games like “You Don’t Know Jack” and “Trivia Murder Party,” this new game offers a unique twist: a cooperative mode where players collaborate to answer questions while confronting mythical creatures. By blending trivia with tabletop role-playing game elements, “Legends of Trivia” promises a hilarious adventure.

In a chat with Warren Arnold, director of ‘Legends of Trivia’, Game Rant discussed the game’s creation, crafting engaging trivia questions, and the influence of ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ and other tabletop role-playing games on the characters and creatures in ‘Legends of Trivia’. Arnold hinted that this Jackbox game could be one of their toughest trivia challenges to date, and players will have to collaborate effectively to conquer each fearsome adversary. (This transcript has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.)

The Origins And Development Of Jackbox Party Pack 11’s Legends Of Trivia

A: As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the magical and imaginative world of fantasy. When it came to designing Legends of Trivia, I found that the enchanting atmosphere of a fantasy realm perfectly complemented the intellectual challenge of trivia gameplay. This wasn’t an idea that popped up overnight; rather, it was a natural progression for me, as my passion for both gaming and fantasy has been a constant companion throughout my life.

It’s been a while since this idea has been present within our company. I’m trying to recall which iteration of the “Party Pack” it was introduced in. I believe Hector Padilla might have been the one who initially conceived this concept. If I had to make an educated guess, it would probably be around the time of the “Party Pack 5”.

He proposed an intriguing concept: imagine a trivia game where getting the answer correct allows you to attack a monster, but getting it wrong means the monster attacks you. It’s quite straightforward. Hector, one of our talented artists, was tasked with creating the artwork for this idea. At that point, we were still brainstorming and trying to refine the concept, as it seemed like something grand right from the start.

In earlier times, the question was whether we had the necessary means and the spare moments to materialize the entire concept of this game. As our company has expanded, however, I believe that we are capable of handling more intricate elements in our games. Therefore, revisiting this idea became a logical step. So, it was resubmitted for consideration. Hector, along with a few other colleagues, prepared a new proposal, and it was well-received. And we agreed, now is the perfect moment to proceed with its development.

A: You said earlier that Legends of Trivia was initially presented during Party Pack 5. Can you explain why you believed it was suitable for development and launch in Party Pack 11 instead?

We believe resources played a significant role in creating this new trivia game. The technology and other elements were crucial for executing it effectively, as our interest in it has always been high, knowing it would be a major project. It seems like the perfect moment to introduce a fresh trivia game that resembles Jackbox yet carves out its own unique path for us. Just as with any endeavor, we want to get it right, and this appears to be the opportunity to do so. So, it’s an exciting prospect!

Q: The mix of collaborative and competitive elements definitely feels very Jackbox.

A: Yeah. Hopefully, we’re scratching that itch well.

Question: What issues did you face when combining trivia and RPG elements to produce Legends of Trivia? Could you characterize its development process as challenging?

With trivia games, there’s an immediate reward system – answer correctly, and you score points. This straightforward relationship is what we aim to preserve in game development, but with added complexity to keep things interesting. The challenge lies in ensuring this additional intricacy doesn’t feel like unnecessary complications that leave players wondering “What’s the point?” Instead, it should enhance the overall experience and keep players engaged without losing sight of the core gameplay mechanics.

To ensure that fighting monsters and advancing in the game feels intuitive and coherent, we aim for a seamless integration. It should align with the lore and background information. In other words, our goal is to create an immersive experience where everything fits together organically, rather than giving the impression of random elements being forced together.

Q: When you’re designing a trivia game, how do you decide what topics to cover?

In essence, we tailor our approach based on the writer’s preferences and interests. We examine the broader picture, make necessary adjustments according to it. For my part, being nearly fifty, I often question whether I’m delving too deeply into the 1990s, and if so, I try to tone it down a bit.

In essence, we strive to create content that is accessible and answerable by everyone, a characteristic deeply ingrained in our approach for quite some time. It’s the kind of information you would expect to know regardless if you’re 70 or as young as 15. Our goal is to make it feel familiar and intuitive, like something you should already know.

Recognize that there are certain topics in popular culture and the like that should be included, as they provide a sense of fulfillment when answered correctly. Even if you may not personally know about Gen Z’s experiences, chances are you’ve heard of it or can make an informed guess. The beauty of playing trivia together is that just one person in your group with some knowledge serves as a foundation for the rest.

A: It’s great that this game is distinct from Trivia Murder Party, as in that game you compete against each other. However, in this game, everyone collaborates because every player in your group is part of a single team, working together to defeat a common monster.

In the games I oversee, such as “Push the Button” and “Poll Mine”, I enjoy exploring what causes players to argue or become slightly antagonistic towards each other. Essentially, it’s a team versus the monster scenario, but the amusing part comes when players struggle to reach an agreement on certain topics. One person might declare confidently, “I know I’m right about this,” only to find out they were mistaken. This unexpected twist has provided some hilarious and intriguing moments we’ve observed throughout gameplay.

Q: Jackbox games must be so fun to test.

At our company, anyone is welcome to propose a game concept. It doesn’t matter if you’re from HR, IT, or an intern. If you have a game idea, share it! The key factor we look for when considering a game is how much laughter or strong reaction it elicits. If the game evokes a response from you, we can build on that – whether it’s humor or fun. In other words, the daily experiments we conduct might lead to a bit of chaos… [Laughs].

Question: What strategies can be employed to ensure that a new trivia game like “Legends of Trivia,” following the success of Jackbox’s existing ones, feels unique and exciting?

A: Although it wasn’t incredibly straightforward, it wasn’t overly challenging either. I had a feeling that I was familiar with the task because I initially wrote for the Facebook adaptation of ‘You Don’t Know Jack,’ and have worked on several variations of this, including ‘Trivia Murder Parties’ and ‘Fibbages.’ As writers, we often find ourselves wondering, “What other ways can we approach this?

Sometimes it feels like finding an entirely new perspective. That means we’ll employ various visuals and question formats. As authors, we might think, “What innovative approach can I take to make this intriguing and engaging?” If you’ve ever played You Don’t Know Jack, that game was all about fresh twists on conventional ideas.

Instead of simply categorizing it as “highbrow and lowbrow,” in our approach, we’ll blend elements from works like Shakespeare and Scooby-Doo. We won’t just be asking questions as is [in Legends of Trivia], but we aimed to make them interesting by saying, “Hey, isn’t this fun?” or “Wow, you guys!” to create a sense of familiarity or amusement.

It’s usually challenging when the task involves making things not feel like typical trivia questions. To avoid this, it’s best to ensure that the question doesn’t sound too straightforward since we often add a twist or an unexpected element to keep things interesting. However, we generally try to limit one twist per problem to maintain clarity and avoid overwhelming the reader with too many surprises at once.

Legends Of Trivia Features A Fantasy Theme Inspired By Tabletop Games

A: To clarify, in the game Legends of Trivia, correctly answering trivia questions allows you to engage with monsters. Is there any information available on the monsters that players might encounter during gameplay?

A: I’d rather not reveal too many details, but let me put it this way: Some questions are quite straightforward; you only need to get one correct answer to solve them. Others require a bit more thought. This is essentially like a group trivia game in a pub, except that here, each participant can submit their own answers instead of one team providing the solution as in traditional pub trivia.

In simpler terms, if you find yourself in disagreement within our group, you might express your viewpoint as, “Actually, I believe the correct answer is Antarctica. I’ll still choose Antarctica.” If five out of six people get it right, they can take on a task, and if you get it wrong, you won’t be involved in that task. But, if you are correct, you could say something like, “Ah, I see now. I told you so.” This is the general idea behind the gameplay here.

With certain monsters, if your team agrees on a strategy, you can swiftly defeat them. However, others may require more time and patience, as they pose challenging questions that aren’t always straightforward. These monsters might make you think deeply about the meaning behind their questions, not just providing direct answers. We strive to keep things interesting by varying our approach, asking not only “What is the answer?” but also “How do we interpret this question?

As a lover of Jackbox games, you might be familiar with the unique twist we give trivia questions in games like “You Don’t Know Jack”. Instead of approaching it head-on, we like to change things up. This quirky style is also prevalent in “Legends of Trivia”, and we’ve specifically designed it to reflect the personality of each monster. We’re aiming to make the trivia experience feel closely connected to these monstrous characters.

A: Are the characters in Legends of Trivia distinct and do they possess any unique traits or special skills?

Each character possesses unique skills, though I won’t disclose the details now, but rest assured that choosing one character over another will prove significant.

Q: They look great, too – each immediately has such a distinct aesthetic to them.

Absolutely, Hector and his fellow artists at Jackbox consistently deliver exceptional work. Among the characters, I’m fond of the vampire and the cat, but I often choose to play as the paladin or knight. The paladin is my preferred character, as I spend most of my day testing and play the game around eight times daily.

I’ve been deeply immersed in the testing phase of this project. From the director’s perspective, it’s been a lot about refining speed and clarifying confusing parts. We’re continuously scrutinizing every aspect, and the process continues until they signal “Alright, we no longer need your input; it’s time to pass the game onto Quality Assurance.

A: During the creation of Legends of Trivia, what has proven to be the most challenging aspect? Was it the trivia questions, the battle mechanics, or some other factor?

The challenge lay in blending the two together harmoniously. The tricky part was collaborative trivia, as you might have experienced in pub quizzes. There are times when someone overly knowledgeable joins your group, making others feel somewhat insignificant. This can lead to feelings of, “Alright, I’ll just fetch some drinks for the table.” The key has been ensuring that each team member has a chance to contribute effectively.

In this case, we delved deeper into the combat strategies. While reaching a consensus on the solution is important, the unique abilities of each character also come into play. This ensures that every member contributes significantly to the team.

It’s fascinating, isn’t it, when someone believes they possess all knowledge, only to find out they don’t? That moment has been my favorite during our testing process so far. One player would consistently answer correctly for a few questions in a row, leading others to trust their answers. However, when faced with a question they didn’t know, it forced them to reevaluate their strategies as a team. The most challenging aspect was achieving a harmonious group dynamic.

What kind of lively narrator or host character should we expect in Legends of Trivia, seeing that one appealing aspect of Jackbox games is their inclusion of such characters?

In this adventure, a storyteller will guide you, showcasing the world and its wonders. There’s a minstrel who’ll sing praises of your achievements as we progress. While I can’t reveal everything yet, I believe it’s best for players to uncover some secrets on their own when they start playing. [Laughs] I don’t want to be too mysterious, but I think it’s part of the fun!

Q: Fair. I’m excited to meet the bard.

In our games, narrators and hosts play crucial roles. Striking the perfect balance is essential – not too much chatter, but also ensuring they maintain the right level of enthusiasm and cover all necessary aspects.

A: Does the concept of a storyteller reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons resonate with you? Was there any influence from Dungeons & Dragons or tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in the creation of Legends of Trivia?

Indeed, our findings indicate that there’s a substantial number of individuals who show great enthusiasm for tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). However, it can be challenging because these games attract people with strong preferences on how they prefer to engage in them.

As a gamer, I’m combining two beloved game genres, and it’s crucial that both RPG enthusiasts and casual players feel satisfied. For the RPG fans, I want to ensure all their expectations are met, providing an immersive, engaging experience. On the other hand, for those who might pick up this game during Thanksgiving to enjoy with family, I aim to offer a trivia experience that’s not only fun but also inviting. Striking this balance between challenging RPG elements and accessible trivia has been our main focus in development.

Q: So RPG newbies can enjoy the game too?

Yes, because we’ve linked it with the trivia. In other words, if you get the trivia questions right, you can see that your performance is improving on the screen.

The Game Is Friendly To Newbies, But Also Challenging For Trivia Enthusiasts

A: For those who have experienced the frustration of overly intricate or specialized trivia questions, how can one decide on creating an effective trivia question?

A:I’m particularly curious about the answers to questions that I find appealing. Sometimes, even if I already know the answer, I might have forgotten it, or I may feel like I can come close. Even when someone says “I don’t know,” such questions can still pique their interest.

Sometimes, I find myself drawn to sports trivia questions, yet I acknowledge they can delve into intricate details at times. There comes a moment for me too, when I wonder, “is this really relevant?” If such thoughts resonate with you, then rest assured, it won’t be included in the game.

Whenever you manage to elicit a response like “I’m not sure, but I’d really like to find out,” that’s a success. For me, that’s what makes the game Fibbage engaging. It’s filled with absurdities, and as you read through all the jokes, you start questioning, “What’s the correct answer? I’m curious to know.

Inquire about any exciting twists that players can anticipate when playing Legends of Trivia, as it’s known for Jackbox Games to innovatively alter the traditional trivia structure.

Absolutely, there are indeed! I’m pondering over the details of what I’d like to share. Sometimes it involves specific types of trivia, and for certain ones, we’ll use images. I can’t reveal too much just yet – I want to keep some surprises for Day One. However, let me tell you, we do image trivia, which I find quite entertaining because it necessitates a dialogue between people as they discuss the correctness of the image presented.

Additionally, many other aspects depend on the monsters’ capabilities. To ensure success, it’s crucial to excel at specific moments; otherwise, these creatures might alter their attack patterns or trigger events affecting you. You should be prepared for unexpected effects and occurrences like this. I believe this is the key surprise.

How would I advise teams aiming for success and a strong performance in the game “Legends of Trivia”?

Or, in a more conversational tone: What tips would I offer to teams aiming to excel and win big in the trivia game called “Legends of Trivia”?

Effective communication is crucial. Sometimes individuals may opt to act independently, but more often than not, they come to regret such decisions. It’s about reaching a mutual understanding, and if that’s not achievable, then sometimes independent action might be necessary. However, I admire those who quickly grasp the situation. As the conversation progresses, it often turns out that their initial assumptions were incorrect. So, indeed, collaboration is key to success in most scenarios.

How would you describe the level of challenge for the current trivia questions, taking into account their comparison to past Jackbox trivia games?

The questions we posed were quite challenging since our team of six turned out to be exceptionally intelligent. This meant that there was usually someone who knew the answer or could quickly figure it out. To stimulate more discussion and collaboration, we found ourselves needing to pose even harder questions.

Wow, that’s fascinating! I didn’t know about this before. Let’s delve deeper because it seems like something we genuinely want to understand.” In essence, the questions should be challenging yet engaging enough that a group of six individuals can solve them relatively swiftly.

What does the upcoming schedule hold for you and your team after the official unveiling of Legends of Trivia?

That’s an excellent question! Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer at the moment because I’m completely absorbed in our current project and unaware of our marketing team’s plans. However, based on the other games that have been announced for Party Pack 11, I suspect we might release some footage soon.

Q: I hope we learn more about the characters and their abilities.

A: Yeah, there are a lot of things like that which I’m really ready for people to see. [Laughs]

A: I’m wondering as well, given that you said it was a major event, could you give me an idea of approximately how many trivia questions there will be in the Legends of Trivia game?

As a devoted follower, I can confidently say it surpasses the 1000 mark without a doubt. In fact, it has shown an impressive increase over the past month. The precise figure still eludes me, but rest assured, it’s quite substantial.

Q: What would you say the balance is between “high culture and pop culture” in terms of questions?

We strive to create a game that appeals to a wide range of people, not limiting it to a particular generation or only sports enthusiasts. The aim is for players to find topics they excel in, just as you might feel confident when participating in pub trivia and exclaim, “That’s my field, I’ve got this!

Q: What are some of your favorite moments from testing and developing the game?

In our interactions, there have been numerous heated discussions due to a specific type of trivia question where collaboration is essential. We have an employee who tends to be very self-assured, often leading the group astray, causing them to make wrong decisions so frequently that we’re left with a mix of trust and skepticism when working together. It seems like each session brings about memories of this individual guiding us incorrectly, only for the game to penalize them later on.

Is the amount of shouting during a game of Legends of Trivia greater or lesser compared to that in Poll Mine, as per your perspective? (Legends of Trivia is known for causing heated debates and high-stress situations, while Poll Mine has a reputation for inciting groups to argue loudly.)

A: I’d describe it as being roughly comparable to the game called Poll Mine. The aspect I particularly enjoyed about creating and leading this game was crafting instances where players would feel pressured to choose correctly because of lines like, “You really need to pick the correct one here.” We intentionally made certain queries so that players might hesitate, thinking, “Oh no, it could be either this or that,” but if they didn’t decide quickly, a monster attack was imminent.

Is it safe to assume, given the fantastical nature of the game, that experiencing a Game Over could be quite severe, perhaps even involving gruesome or dramatic deaths?

A: Yup. [Laughs] You have a health meter. It can be wiped out – that sort of thing.

Q: Is that a full game over – do you have to restart from the beginning?

In our games, rather than directly penalizing players, we aim to create a challenging yet enjoyable experience. This new feature we’re introducing should appeal to fans of Jackbox Games as it’s designed to make the game difficult in a way that feels fair and engaging.

Q: Ooh, that’s going to be tough, especially because the trivia will be challenging.

As a gaming enthusiast with a knack for trivia, let me tell you, this game will put your skills to the test, even if you consider yourself a pro!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell Game Rant’s readers about Legends of Trivia?

We’re eagerly anticipating the response to our collaborative trivia game since it’s uncharted territory for us. Essentially, we’re suggesting a team effort, but let’s face it – people can be competitive! [Laughs] Just wanted to clarify that this is a cooperative game, yet at times you may find yourselves competing against each other.

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2025-07-04 13:28