The indie game studio known for creating the whimsical and mischievous Untitled Goose Game has announced a rather unexpected follow-up project that veers away from feathery antics. Their next endeavor heads deep into the Australian wilderness with a cooperative multiplayer game called Big Walk, which debuted at the prominent annual Game Awards. This new title is poised to lead players and their friends on an interactive journey filled with puzzles and shared experiences.
Untitled Goose Game, with its enchanting English village setting, captured the hearts of players around the world through its simple yet engaging premise: a goose on a quest to bother the human inhabitants of a sleepy town. In contrast, Big Walk transposes the fun and camaraderie into the natural wonders of Australia's vast landscapes. Far from the goose's antics, players will be entangled in cooperative play, as they and their friends solve puzzles within the wild, teeming with both mystique and beauty.
Designed to foster effective communication and teamwork, Big Walk challenges players to work in sync to navigate through its blend of realism and magical elements. According to the developers at House House, the gameplay won't just be about riddles and challenges; there will be opportunities to savor the moment together, like basking in sunsets, playful interactions like snatching binoculars from a friend, or even comically kicking them into the ocean.
Jake Strasser of House House emphasizes the balance between guidance and leisure that Big Walk intends to offer. It's not just about pushing players from one task to another; it's about crafting an environment where friends, either in pairs or groups, can genuinely enjoy each other's company. There's a momentum to maintain, yet a pace that encourages relaxation and immersion into the gaming experience.
Alongside its puzzles, the game introduces a sophisticated proximity voice chat system that promises to enhance the immersion by rooting players in their virtual surroundings. This feature aims to support the natural communication amongst friends and to make the gameplay experience more lifelike and engaging.
Taking inspiration from Wilsons Promontory National Park, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Big Walk is a labor of love that seeks to capture the essence of this beloved landscape. Known for its rugged beauty, the park serves as a blueprint for the game's environment, interweaving its natural wonder into the fabric of the gameplay.
