The Neverwhere writer is creating Wayward Manor, a macabre puzzle/adventure game developed in partnership with the indie studio The Odd Gentlemen.

The author, who’s favorite in comic and fantasy circles for lots books including Neverwhere, American Gods, and the classic comic book series Sandman, was a lifelong gamer and is now trying his hand at making them. Inspired by early 20th century farces like Arsenic and Old Lace, Gaimen envisions Wayward Manor – which casts the player as a ghost looking to scare people out of an old mansion – as a hybrid of the puzzle and adventure genres.

We’ll leave it to Neil himself to offer you the pitch inside the video below. While the sport isn’t doing a Kickstarter, they’re raising money through tiered pre-orders that include perks (essentially a Kickstarter not on Kickstarter). One of many pre-order bonuses is dinner with Gaiman himself, for under $10,000 (though you need to provide your personal travel). Whadda guy.

Our Take
While Neil Gaimen seriously isn’t a game developer by trade, he’s certainly landed with an efficient partner: The Odd Gentlemen, who created the great The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, among other games. Their offbeat, old-fashioned visual vibe perfectly suits Gaiman, and their skill as a developer will never be in question. Their expertise coupled with Gaiman’s writing generally is a superb combination.