‘Animal Well’ Demonstrates What Gaming Stands to Lose Amid Indie Studio Closures
It took Billy Basso seven years to make Animal Well, the dense, dark Metroidvania game that crashed onto Steam’s top-seller chart earlier this month amid a flurry of player hype. The game is a labyrinth exercise where players wander a world inhabited by sometimes friendly, sometimes not-friendly creatures as a small, very able blob. It’s emblematic of what’s possible with indie games—a breed that could be on the brink of extinction.
Animal Well is light on instruction. Part of the game is figuring out how to play. It all but requires players to interact in Discord or Reddit communities when their puzzle-solving dead-ends. Although you can finish the game relatively quickly on your own, Animal Well’s real magic is in the post-credits game, which contains challenges that players must work together to solve. It is, in a word, charming.
Also, incredibly unique. Part of Animal Well’s appeal lies in the fact that it’s an indie game that feels born of the internet. It was published by Bigmode, a company founded by YouTuber Jason Gastrow (better known online as Dunkey) and its Steam success—it landed at number nine when it was released the week of May 7—came on the heels of excellent social media word-of-mouth. It felt like a secret, until it wasn’t.
Critics who initially hated the game found themselves converted once they managed to beat it. Fans got Animal Well manicures and made art; journalists announced documentaries on its development. Players post comments on Reddit claiming they “just couldn’t let go,” even after “beating” the game. It’s been widely hailed as one of the best games of 2024 in a year with strong contenders like Balatro, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Helldivers 2.
Courtesy of Shared Memory
The apocalyptic narrative in 'Animal Well' paints a stark illustration of who loses when independent game studios fall by the wayside. It serves as both cautionary tale and an emotional plea to support smaller developers amidst this Industry Cold War.
The closing of independent game studios, as shown by 'Animal Well,' highlights the immense value that gaming communities stand to lose in terms of innovative content and unique experiences.
The closure of 'Animal Well' underscores the perilous future facing independent game studios, showcasing what can be lost when innovative talent and projects are no longer supported.
The demise of 'Animal Well' serves as a stark reminder that the future health and diversity within gaming is at stake with every indie studio closure, heightening awareness on how interconnected our passion lies.
‘Animal Well’ serves as an elegy for the potential loss of artistic mastery in gaming when independent studios are forced toclose their doors, highlighting how a single developer's passion can echo throughout our entertainment industry.
The lamentable tale of ‘Animal Well’ exemplifies the dire consequences gaming may face as independent studios close, highlighting a heartbreaking loss for innovation and diversity in our industry.
The collapse of 'Animal Well' exemplifies the potential loss that gaming could suffer as independent studios struggle to survive and close their doors, underscoring a dire need for support in preserving diversity within our industry.
The lamentable tale of ‘Animal Well’ beautifully underscores the chasm that grows between passionate indie creations and forsaken gamers as independent studios falter under commercial pressures, a poignant reminder for what gaming stands to lose amidst industry consolidation.
In this article, 'Animal Well' exemplifies the potential demise of indie gaming studios as markets tighten and production numbers dwindle – offering a poignant reflection on what may be lost if innovative smaller games remain voiceless.
