Dane Cook and Robert Bowling Announce Vicious Vocab, a Genre-Bending Word Game With a Big Twist

Dane Cook and ex-Call of Duty creative lead Robert Bowling have teamed up to create Vicious Vocab, a genre-bending video game that introduces an unexpected twist to the world of word games. While the two remain tight-lipped about the twist, Vicious Vocab goes far beyond simple letter mixing and matching. Words wield power and meaning, capable of dramatically altering gameplay and even shifting the entire genre of play being experienced.

Developed by a team of five known as "funcool games," Vicious Vocab is described as "Scrabble meets Balatro in a backroom casino." It combines a word game with an action element, leading to the game being referred to as a "word brawler" or "first-person speller." Players can gain or lose health by spelling out certain words, and counter damage with alternative words, adding layers of strategy to the game. The developers are aiming to create deeply memorable, "holy s**t" moments for players.

The unlikely pairing of the two professionals dates back 20 years. Bowling and Cook first met while Bowling was working as a community manager at Infinity Ward. They bonded over their shared appreciation for playing Call of Duty 2, with Bowling impressed by Cook's strategic gameplay. A friendship blossomed and, years later, a game idea began to take shape.

The initial concept involved words having an impact on the game, but as the small team explored more ideas, they explored uncharted territory, creating experiences that defy expectations and redefine genre boundaries.

Bowling and Cook are excited about the potential for the game to evolve, creating a single-player narrative-driven experience with multiple endings, as well as plans for a multiplayer component focused on replayability. The developers are committed to pushing the boundaries of their creation, emphasizing that they "don't yet know how far we can go" with seven letters and a vast vocabulary.