According to Mayles, "Grabbed by the Ghoulies" was not inspired by Rare's similar-themed "Atic Atac". The cel-shaded art style and design of the characters in "Grabbed by the Ghoulies" were inspired by Hanna-Barbera cartoons, and the various character personalities were based both on historical figures and people from Mayles' childhood. Antagonist Baron von Ghoul was "a mix" of the Red Baron and British aristocracy, whereas supportive characters, such as Ma Soupswill, were loosely based on staff from a school. Mayles considered the conversion of the game to the Xbox to be one of the hardest challenges during development, as Rare had less than a year to finish the game once it was converted.