House House, the studio behind the acclaimed Untitled Goose Game, has released its new online-only co-op puzzle game, Big Walk. The experience is designed to be played with a group of friends, each on separate devices, and communicates through limited in-game options.
In Big Walk, players can only communicate with each other when in close proximity within the game or by finding radios and walkie-talkies for longer distances. If a player strays too far from the group, they lose the ability to communicate, forcing them to backtrack or use in-game signaling tools like emergency flares to be found. This design choice, while potentially isolating, is central to the game's intended experience.
The developers have opted against including a solo mode or random matchmaking. This decision means that players without a dedicated group of friends or family willing to play might miss out on the experience. Furthermore, playing Big Walk requires each participant to own a copy of the game, have a compatible device, and often, headsets for communication, which can be a significant barrier.
Despite these limitations, the absence of a solo mode is seen as a strength that preserves the game's core vision. The game is not intended as a solitary puzzle-solving experience but rather as a communal activity focused on managing a group, problem-solving together, and the challenge of reuniting when separated. This focus on shared experience and communication challenges is what makes Big Walk unique.
Accessibility presents another challenge, as some puzzles are designed with mechanics that require clear visual or auditory perception. House House's primary solution is to allow players to skip puzzles they cannot complete. While this approach acknowledges the difficulty in redesigning core mechanics, it may also lead to players missing out on significant parts of the game. The developers acknowledge that certain puzzles are intrinsically tied to their sensory requirements and altering them drastically would change the puzzle's nature entirely.
While the exclusivity of Big Walk's design may be disappointing for some, the developers' commitment to their vision is noted as a factor that has resulted in a more memorable and special game. The game's unique approach to co-operative play and communication is highlighted as its defining characteristic, encouraging those who can participate to do so for a potentially rewarding experience.