The Devolver Digital Direct 2023 did not disappoint with a show that was still completely offbeat. The publisher announced its new improbable nuggets by mocking the AI including ChatGPT.
After a very classic Summer Game Fest 2023 conference in form, but with some really unexpected surprises, madness took over the replacement for E3 2023. A touch of madness which, like every year, was brought by the publisher Devolver Digital.
If Nina Struthers was unfortunately absent from this edition, just like Suda51 who had surprised by her presence last year, Volvy made the show. A mascot that has nothing to envy to Mario or Sonic and has even been invited to the Devolver store with goodies on sale. A being with a large hand that was designed just for this conference. Yes, the delirium was pushed to the end, so we even expected to see a game created quickly for the occasion.
Through the robotic version of Volvy, Devolver Digital tackled the hot topic of AI by having their top rep develop games based on typical cues “make me a sandbox survival title with magic”. A parody, among others, of ChatGPT. And it is through this that the firm unpacked its real announcements.
Crazy new games at Devolver Digital Direct 2023
The Devolver Digital Direct 2023 has fulfilled its mission of being both funny, incisive for a completely cringe result. But in the right way. Several highlights starting with the very first gameplay trailer of The Talos Principle 2. Croteam’s (Serious Sam) puzzle-game that borrows mechanics from Portal. In this sequel, you are invited to inspect a gigantic mysterious structure that “will confront new existential questions about the nature of the cosmos, the opposition between faith and reason or the fear of repeating, again and again, the mistakes of human beings”. Of course, puzzles “more devious than ever” will block your way to the multiple endings offered by the game. Released in 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
We then remain in the riddles with the announcement of Human Fall Flat 2. A second episode “even bigger, even stronger and above all even clumsier”. According to Devolver Digital. A “unparalleled burlesque experience” which will try to push the limits of the previous installment with better controls, graphics, new levels and toys to overcome the puzzles, as well as a new physics engine. We haven’t seen any gameplay but it should look like the first game with this limp white engineer who moves strangely, and who can make you think of a party game Gang Beasts. We will have to wait for the release date and the platforms. But it will logically be on PS5, Xbox Series X | S, PC. And Nintendo Switch 2?
When we thought we had seen it all, Devolver Digital pulled out of its hat baby steps. A walking simulator in the “literal sense” where you will have to manage to put one foot in front of the other to climb a huge mountain. Another game where weird physics are central to the gameplay. The title is all the more WTF as you do not play a baby, contrary to what the name suggests, but an adult. Nate, a Tanguy squatting in the basement of his parents, who can’t take it anymore, and who will discover a power. That of putting one foot in front of the other. This “Huge Nullos unemployed without interest” will have to use it for his extreme journey in bucolic landscapes. A Devolver Digital production which is co-developed by the creators of Ape Out and Getting Over It. Death Stranding 2 has competition!
Two exclusive demos available for free
During its Devolver Digital Direct 2023, the publisher also gave news of Wizard with a Gun. A cooperative survival game (online) – also playable solo – in a magical sandbox universe “The Shatter”. A destroyed world in which chaos has spread. You play a wizard equipped with firearms. But thanks to his marabout talents, you will be able to make enchanted ammunition. There is even a management aspect with the creation of a sanctuary which, presumably, will be useful for building increasingly robust equipment. And survival requires, you will have to go in search of resources in this broken world that you will have to rebuild. The game will be available in 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. And the other good news is that there is currently a free demo on Steam.
If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking everything, to the point of going to those rooms where you can pay to destroy things, Sludge Life 2 will be your ideal companion. Indeed, it is neither more nor less than a simulation of vandalism. A game that will arrive very soon, June 27, 2023 on PC, and which also has a free Steam demo. A trial version where you have to help Big Mud find his mojo. “Help Big Mud find his mojo by exploring his recording studio, filled with silly characters and absurd mysteries, while photographing cats”. That’s it for Devolver Digital Direct 2023, but below are all the trailers from the conference.