Animal Well
News, coverage and analysis tracking Animal Well across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Valve admits Steam has an AI slop and cloning problem, but says 'we don't want to be gatekeepers telling developers which tools they should or shouldn't use'
Valve has acknowledged a significant problem with AI-generated 'slop' and game cloning on Steam, which is impacting developers and choking events like Steam Next Fest. While aware of the issue, including reports of extortion threats, Valve stated they do not want to act as gatekeepers dictating which tools developers can use. Instead, they suggest developers focus on building strong communities and continually adding unique features to their games to stand out.
GTA 6's PS5 install size is so big you could store 3500 copies of Balatro inside
Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly set to have a massive 210 GB file size on PlayStation 5, significantly larger than Red Dead Redemption 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. This large download size highlights ongoing concerns about storage space on modern gaming consoles and PCs, especially for players with limited internet bandwidth.
Nintendo announces Halloween 2026 sale for Switch 2 and Switch
Nintendo has launched its annual Halloween sale for the 2026 season, featuring discounts on a wide variety of third-party titles for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The "Screaming Deals" promotion includes games like Inscryption, Little Kitty Big City, and System Shock, with many titles hitting new low prices. The sale is available on the Nintendo eShop and will run until October 31, 2026.
Nonolith traps you in a living maze and challenges you to find hidden terrain magic using good old copy-paste
Nonolith is a 2D puzzle game where players control a gnome trapped in a living maze, using copy-paste mechanics to manipulate the environment. Developed by Justcamh, the game challenges players to solve puzzles and discover hidden terrain magic, with a demo available on Steam and the full release planned for later this year.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse review - inspired by great ideas, but doomed by questionable execution
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse offers ambitious Metroidvania gameplay inspired by the series' highs, but is hampered by awkward controls and technical issues. While the game features clever level design and engaging combat moments, frustrating execution, particularly in platforming and boss fights, detracts from the overall experience. Despite its flaws, the game is not considered bad, but its ambition may have outpaced its development.
Order of the Sinking Star launch trailer – new puzzle adventure Nintendo Switch 2 game from the creator of Braid
Arc Games and Thekla have released the launch trailer for Order of the Sinking Star, a new puzzle adventure game from Jonathan Blow, creator of Braid and The Witness. Available now on Nintendo Switch, the game features over a thousand handcrafted challenges, a fully voiced cast, and an interconnected world designed for player freedom.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Oct. 2: Steam Autumn Sale and friends
The annual Steam Autumn Sale has begun, offering discounts on a wide range of PC games, including recent releases and older titles. Several other digital storefronts like GOG.com, Epic Games Store, and Fanatical are also hosting their own autumn sales, providing various deals and free games.
Mina the Hollower & Mouse: P.I. For Hire have come together in a squeaky-clean bundle
Yacht Club Games has announced new Steam bundles featuring popular indie titles. A bundle includes Mina the Hollower and Mouse: P.I. For Hire with a 15% discount, while other bundles pair Mina with Animal Well and Axiom Verge with Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove.
Order of the Sinking Star Packs “Hundreds of Hours of Unique Gameplay” for Just $30
Thekla, Inc. has announced that Jonathan Blow's highly anticipated puzzle game, Order of the Sinking Star, will launch on October 8th for PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch at $29.99. The game promises hundreds of hours of unique gameplay across four distinct puzzle scenarios, featuring over 1,000 puzzles.
"It's sad and devastating" – Black Myth: Wukong's physical publisher is mourning the loss of PlayStation discs
PM Studios CEO Michael Yum expressed sadness and devastation over Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, which significantly impacts physical publishers. Despite the shift to digital, PM Studios sees potential in the AA market and collectible physical releases, citing the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen.
After two weeks with Steam Frame, Valve's latest is now my go-to VR headset, but my recommendation comes with some important caveats
Valve's Steam Frame VR headset offers a comfortable and lightweight design with impressive PC-to-headset streaming capabilities, making it a compelling option for PC VR enthusiasts. However, its standalone performance is inconsistent and less polished than competitors like the Meta Quest 3, and its high price point may be a barrier for many.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Trailer 3 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the likelihood of a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, express disappointment with Nintendo's Switch 2 priorities and Tomb Raider remake features, and debate the underutilization of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller's touchpad. Other topics include the commercial struggles of PlatinumGames, the perceived decline of the Turok franchise, and the philosophy of digital ownership versus physical discs.
Metroidvania Games Were The Original Open-World Games
This article argues that Metroidvania games were the original open-world experiences, predating modern open-world titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. It highlights how the exploration, gated progression, and sense of discovery in classic Metroid and Castlevania games laid the groundwork for the genre.
Nintendo announces 2026 Blockbuster sale for Switch 2 and Switch, the full list of deals
Nintendo has launched a "2026 Blockbuster" sale on the eShop, featuring discounts of up to 80% on a wide range of third-party titles for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The sale includes popular games like Dave the Diver, Persona 3 Reload, and Red Dead Redemption, and will run until September 9th.
What if Stop Killing Games win? Anthem, SpaceCraft and Warframe devs on the "massive undertaking" of reverse engineering an always-online game
The article discusses the challenges and importance of game preservation for live service titles, using Warframe as a primary example. It explores the difficulties of reverse engineering always-online games and the efforts of groups like Stop Killing Games to advocate for offline modes and legal requirements for game longevity. Experts like Scott McGregor and Mark Darrah weigh in on the technical and financial hurdles, while the piece also touches on the potential impact of such regulations on the future development of live service games.
"Long live physical media": Devs and publishers of Baldur's Gate 3, Silksong, and more call Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation games "genuinely heartbreaking"
Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs starting in 2028 has been met with dismay from developers and publishers. Many express sadness and a loss of desire to develop for the platform, citing the importance of physical media for preservation, collector value, and the joy it brings to players. Companies like Larian Studios, Lost in Cult, and Fangamer are particularly vocal about the impact on their work and their commitment to physical releases.
'I do think Blow misunderstood what the game is about': Derelict Star made Jonathan Blow rage quit, but it's the most fascinating indie platformer I've played for years
This article discusses the indie platformer Derelict Star, which creator Jonathan Blow famously criticized for its controls and introductory level. The author argues that Blow misunderstood the game's focus on intricate movement mechanics, which, after an initial adjustment period, offer a deeply rewarding experience akin to N++ and Super Mario World. Derelict Star is praised for its fine-tuned physics and momentum-based gameplay, making it a standout title for movement platformer enthusiasts.
You should never be ashamed about looking up solutions in a video game - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature discusses the common experience of getting stuck in video games and argues that seeking solutions is not something to be ashamed of, using the game Animal Well as a primary example. The author highlights the game's subtle signposting, atmospheric sound design, and challenging puzzles that often require external help or experimentation to overcome. Despite the difficulty, the author found Animal Well to be an admirable and engaging experience that rewards exploration.
25 Best Puzzle Games To Solve In 2026
This guide highlights 25 of the best puzzle games available, ranging from recent indie hits like Animal Well to enduring classics such as Portal 2. The list features a variety of brain-teasing experiences across multiple platforms, emphasizing critical thinking and engaging gameplay.
The 15 Best Games Like Hollow Knight To Get Lost In
This guide highlights 15 games similar to Hollow Knight, focusing on the metroidvania genre's blend of soulslike combat and deep exploration. It features titles like Nine Sols, Animal Well, Blasphemous 2, Elden Ring, and the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, detailing their unique mechanics and platforms.
