The Thirty-Nine Steps releasing on PC, Mac, iOS in March

An interactive version of John Buchan’s espionage thriller The Thirty-Nine Steps will be released in March, according to developer Tern Digital.

Speaking with Polygon, the firm's Simon Meek described the iOS, Mac, and PC title as a hybrid of deconstructionist text, interactivity, game graphics and acting performed by the Citizens Theatre's Guy Hollands.

"The Thirty-Nine Steps is the first of a new breed of interactive entertainment that brings powerful and emotive storytelling to audiences via digital platforms," said Meek. "We believe the product has the potential to reach out to audiences everywhere — whether they're core gamers, casual gamers, digital readers or anyone else with a passion for a great story.

"We have taken great care to hand-pick the best publishing partners need to take this new product to widest possible market."

Other titles based on classic literature such as Wuthering Heights, Great Expectations, 1984, Treasure Island, and Jekyll and Hyde are also being considered.

The iPad and OSX versions will be published by Faber and Faver with Avanquest handling the retail version of the PC offering, and KISS Ltd. in charge of its digital distribution.

Built with the Unity engine, The Thirty-Nine Steps will last around 6-7 hours and will release on March 15.