Dispatch: A Superhero Comedy That Makes Choices Matter

A Workplace Comedy with Superpowers 

Developed by AdHoc Studio, Dispatch blends the DNA of classic Telltale adventures with a fresh spin: you are not the hero on the battlefield, but the dispatcher behind the scenes. You play as Robert Robertson, once known as Mecha Man, now managing a team of villains‑turned‑heroes. 

The setup is comedic, but the writing explores deeper themes of redemption, responsibility, and identity. Beneath the humor lies a thoughtful narrative about second chances and the weight of leadership. 

Choices That Shape the Story 

Every decision ripples across episodes, producing outcomes that are humorous, tragic, or deeply meaningful. Playing with my wife added a new dimension; we debated every choice, laughed at mistakes, and celebrated victories. 

This dynamic reflects cognitive dissonance theory, which explains the discomfort people experience when their choices conflict with their values or expectations (Festinger, 1957; Harmon‑Jones & Mills, 2019). In Dispatch, sending a reckless hero despite knowing the risks mirrors the real‑life tension between what we believe is right and the choices we actually make. The game transforms abstract psychological theory into lived experience. 

Humor Meets Heart 

The witty writing and strong performances make the game engaging, but humor also serves a deeper psychological function. Research indicates that humor acts as an adaptive coping mechanism, reducing stress and fostering resilience (Oliveira, Arriaga, & Barreiros, 2023; Simione & Gnagnarella, 2023). 

In Dispatch, laughter softened the tension of tough choices, making setbacks feel lighter and more manageable. The comedy is not just entertainment; it is a tool that helps players process the emotional weight of decision‑making. 

A Game Best Shared 

While Dispatch can be played solo, it thrives as a social experience. Taking turns with a partner transforms it into a collaborative storytelling experience. This dynamic aligns with self‑determination theory (SDT), which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as core psychological needs (Ryan & Deci, 2000; Weir, 2025). 

Playing with my wife satisfied all three: we felt free to choose, took pride in strategies that worked, and remained connected through a shared narrative. The game becomes not just about superheroes, but about the bonds between players. 

Redemption & Identity 

At its core, Dispatch is about redemption. Many characters are villains seeking second chances, echoing the psychological concept of narrative identity, the stories people construct to give meaning to their lives (McAdams et al., 2021; Vanden Poel & Hermans, 2019). 

Watching these characters struggle and grow reminded us of how humans reframe past mistakes into opportunities for transformation. The game’s humor makes this journey approachable, but its heart ensures it resonates. 

Final Thoughts 

Dispatch is more than a superhero comedy; it demonstrates how games can be both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful. By weaving together humor, psychology, and collaborative play, it becomes a laboratory for decision‑making, empathy, and identity. 

Sharing it with my wife turned it into an unforgettable experience. Dispatch proves that even comedy can be a mirror for our toughest choices, and a reminder that laughter and reflection can coexist in the same story. 

References 

• McAdams, D. P., Trzesniewski, K., Lilgendahl, J., Benet‑Martinez, V., & Robins, R. W. (2021). Self and identity in personality psychology. *Personality Science, 2*, e6035. https://doi.org/10.5964/ps.6035 

• Oliveira, R., Arriaga, P., & Barreiros, J. (2023). The role of humor in social, psychological, and physical well‑being. *Humor, 36*(3), 487–509. https://doi.org/10.1515/humor-2022-0072 

• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self‑determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well‑being. *American Psychologist, 55*(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68 

• Simione, L., & Gnagnarella, C. (2023). Humor coping reduces the positive relationship between avoidance coping strategies and perceived stress. *Behavioral Sciences, 13*(2), 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020179 

• Vanden Poel, L., & Hermans, D. (2019). Narrative coherence and identity: Associations with psychological well‑being and internalizing symptoms. *Frontiers in Psychology, 10*, 1171. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01171 

• Weir, K. (2025, March 2). Self‑determination theory: A quarter century of human motivation research. *American Psychological Association*. https://www.apa.org/research-practice/conduct-research/self-determination-theory