House House releases "Big Walk," a new game focused on cooperative exploration and proximity chat

New Release from House House

House House, the Melbourne-based game developer behind the successful "Untitled Goose Game," has launched its new title, "Big Walk." This game departs significantly from their previous work, focusing on cooperative gameplay and social interaction rather than mischievous antics.

Gameplay and Core Mechanics

In "Big Walk," players navigate a large bushland environment, solving puzzles with friends. A central feature is the proximity voice chat system, which allows clear communication only when players are close to each other, mimicking real-world interaction. This design encourages players to stay together and pay attention to their companions.

Early Reception and Design Origins

The game has seen immediate success, with more than 1 million downloads within its first week of release. The concept for "Big Walk" originated during Covid lockdowns, when the developers sought ways to play games online with international friends. Early testing involved simply walking across a map, which fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual attention among players.

Sound designer Em Halberstadt and audio programmer Nicholas Zhang contributed to the game's audio realism, including dynamic voice changes when players enter confined spaces like tunnels.

Setting and Environment

Despite initial considerations for a setting like the Faroe Islands, the game's environment is inspired by Wilsons Promontory, located south of Melbourne. This location was chosen for its isolated, video game-like geography, which suited the game's intricate landscape design by Jake Strasser and Kalonica Quigley.