What's happened
After nine years, game creator Blow is close to releasing 'Order of the Sinking Star,' a puzzle game with around 1,400 puzzles, expected in 2026. The project evolved from a quick proof of concept to a complex, expansive experience, reflecting years of development and creative growth.
What's behind the headline?
The long development cycle underscores the challenges of creating highly complex puzzle games. Blow's shift from a quick prototype to a detailed, expansive game demonstrates how initial ideas can evolve significantly over time. The game's design, with 1,400 puzzles, aims to offer deep replayability and strategic depth, likely appealing to dedicated players. This project exemplifies how technological innovation and creative persistence can transform a simple concept into a substantial product. The announcement at a major event like The Game Awards signals strong industry confidence and anticipation, positioning 'Order of the Sinking Star' as a notable release in 2026. The game's emphasis on combinatorial gameplay suggests it will push the boundaries of puzzle design, potentially influencing future titles in the genre.
What the papers say
Kyle Orland of Ars Technica reports that Blow's project started as a quick proof of concept but has grown into a game with around 1,400 puzzles, expected in 2026. The game emphasizes the complexity and depth of gameplay possibilities. This contrasts with earlier expectations of a short development cycle, highlighting the project's evolution. The announcement at The Game Awards underscores industry recognition of its scope. The detailed development process and Blow's reflections reveal a commitment to creating a highly intricate puzzle experience, which may set new standards for the genre.
How we got here
Blow began developing 'Order of the Sinking Star' as a proof of concept for a new engine and programming language. Over nine years, the project expanded from a simple idea into a game with extensive puzzle combinations, emphasizing gameplay possibilities. The game was announced at The Game Awards, highlighting its scale and complexity.
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