House House, the studio acclaimed for its work on Untitled Goose Game, has launched its new cooperative exploration title, Big Walk. The game, released on August 4, is designed to be played with a minimum of two and a maximum of 12 players. Progression in Big Walk is intrinsically tied to teamwork, making it impossible to complete solo.
This mandatory cooperative structure presents a hurdle for players who may not have a readily available group of friends willing to purchase the $15 game or coordinate schedules. Big Walk notably lacks online matchmaking or public lobby systems, meaning players must possess existing social connections to engage with the game.
As a consequence, the game's subreddit has seen an influx of players seeking others to join them. A dedicated megathread has emerged, already hosting over 200 requests for playmates. The subreddit is further populated by game codes, specific requests for players in certain time zones, and general invitations like "Wanna play?"
While most players appear enthusiastic about finding companions, a segment has expressed dissatisfaction with the game's requirement for pre-existing friendships. This design choice stands in contrast to many recent cooperative titles that, while encouraging group play, typically offer public lobbies and remain technically playable alone.
Big Walk, however, deviates from this trend. The game is estimated to take around 15 hours to complete, necessitating multiple play sessions with the same group. The absence of public lobbies ensures that players must commit to coordinating with a consistent set of individuals.
This approach to multiplayer design encourages players to connect with strangers through external coordination. The early response suggests a positive reception, with players forming new friendships shortly after the game's release. The exploration elements within Big Walk are anticipated to provide numerous opportunities for shared experiences and bonding, such as collectively naming the game's mysterious blob-like characters.