Creating Lab Rat: Gwen Frey Discusses Strategy, Humor, and Laser Mazes

In a blend of sci-fi intrigue and puzzle-solving fun, “Lab Rat” brings a satirical twist to Xbox gamers everywhere. The brainchild of Gwen Frey, known for her work on “BioShock Infinite” and “The Flame in the Flood,” this game challenges players with more than 100 puzzles while humorously dealing with a quirky AI character named S.A.R.A.

I had the privilege of chatting with Gwen about what went into crafting this engaging game. From her perspective on creating complex puzzles to her experience in nearly solo game development, we dived into her journey of voicing multiple characters, textures, and experiences in this new release.

S.A.R.A., an AI that delights in metrics and observations, is at the heart of “Lab Rat.” Gwen shared that the idea of S.A.R.A. emerged alongside the game’s core mechanics. During early development, both she and her puzzle designer felt quite isolated, akin to being “rats in a cage,” a feeling that they leaned into to shape the game’s dynamic.

Visually inspired by her dual-monitor setup during lockdown, Gwen used this framework to develop S.A.R.A.—an AI that reflects the unsettling disconnectedness prevalent during those times. This inspiration, once integrated, gave purpose and cohesion to the whole gaming experience.

While “Lab Rat” is touted as a game to both challenge and entertain, Gwen admits that crafting humor into the game was the trickier of the two goals. Players engaging with puzzles are naturally prepped for logical challenges, yet tickling their funny bone, as Gwen points out, is an artful feat due to the diverse taste in humor.

Gwen’s approach to keeping the experience engaging and paced just right lies in alternating discovery with mastery. Each few puzzles introduce something fresh, while leaving enough room for players to outwit challenges through understanding, ensuring the experience remains fulfilling without turning into frustration.

Creating a game with a small team meant Gwen wore many creative hats that ranged from art to animation work. But she found voice acting, something she had never done before, the most surprising skill to pick up. Despite this challenge, Gwen voiced nearly every character in “Lab Rat,” crafting unique personalities with varied sound effects.

Reflecting on her humor-filled credit in the game, Gwen laughed at her name popping up a hundred times, a playful nod from her programmer. Yet, this was no exaggeration when it came to voicing all characters, save for a single line by her husband, adding layers to character interactions via sound effects and her creative execution.

If given the chance to witness a player’s first encounter with “Lab Rat,” Gwen would relish in seeing them reach any of the numerous unexpected and intriguing moments she designed to make the game memorable.

“Lab Rat” is out now for Xbox One, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, promising a unique blend of humor, thought-provoking puzzles, and satirical in-game analytics, as Gwen and her skilled team introduce players to an eccentric AI and a world of fantastical puzzles.