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The Creator of the Smash Indie Game ‘Animal Well’ Is Already Working on His Next Project

ElectraGames2025-07-0310307

Billy Basso was glued to his computer. It was launch day for the Chicago developer’s debut solo game, a surreal Metroidvania called Animal Well, and he couldn’t stop reading reviews online and watching people play the game. He’d pulled off the impossible: breaking through a turbulent industry to create a hit game that would grow to be a critical and commercial success. He just didn’t realize how big of one it would be quite yet.

Most successful video games are made by teams of people that vary in size from a half dozen to somewhere in the hundreds. Basso had made Animal Well entirely on his own, start to finish. Music, art, story—it was all his, dictated by the singular goal to finish the game.

He thought it would take six months. It took seven years. “My entire life has completely changed since the game has come out,” Basso, 36, says.

This year, Animal Well is up for five awards at the Game Developers Choice Awards, including prizes for Best Design, Best Audio, and Best Debut. The awards are being handed out this week at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, where Basso is also a featured speaker. At a talk on Monday detailing the nitty gritty of how he made the game, from coding to describing the game’s lighting, Basso held court in front of a rapt audience packed to the brim. Attendees laughed and “ooh’d” his presentation. While describing some of his more homebrew methods of development, one developer in the audience whispered “this guy is the GOAT.” After his talk, a circle of fans surrounded Basso to offer praise and ask questions.

Basso had arrived. It just took some time to get there.

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Elise

The genius behind the hit indie game 'Animal Well' is back,已步履不停地迈向他的下一壮举, igniting our passions all over again.

2025-07-03 14:02:21 reply
Davina

The ingenuity and passion displayed by the creator of 'Animal Well' in creating a smash indie hit sets an already high standard for their upcoming project - anticipation is at fever pitch among fans!

2025-07-03 14:02:36 reply
Perry

Impressive dedication! After rocking the indie scene with 'Animal Well,' its visionary creator is already embarking on a new gaming venture, igniting our anticipation for another smash hit.

2025-07-05 02:58:19 reply
Kobe

Impressed by the genius behind 'Animal Well' and excited to see what epic endeavor their next project will unleash on indie game enthusiasts!

2025-07-12 13:13:51 reply
Ainsley

The innovator behind the smash hit indie game 'Animal Well' breathes new life into gaming with his upcoming project, promising to redefine our expectations of creativity and ingenuity in video games.

2025-07-23 21:18:00 reply
Elara

Exceeding expectations with every new venture, the mastermind behind 'Animal Well' is proving to be a remarkable force in independent gaming. His relentless dedication and forthcoming project are just as thrilling for fans.

2025-07-24 19:11:54 reply
Otto

Impressive dedication and vision displayed by the creator of acclaimed indie game ‘Animal Well’; already embarking on a new project proves their commitment to innovate, inspire & captivate gamers with yet another masterpiece.

2025-07-24 19:12:09 reply

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