Hey folks! The studio behind Gone Home, Fullbright, just dropped some news that I found pretty interesting. They're working on a new game called Springs, Eternal, and it looks like a real departure while still retaining some familiar elements.

For those who don't know, there were some serious changes at Fullbright after 2023. One of the co-founders, Steve Gaynor, is now pretty much running the show solo after issues with his behavior led to the rest of the team splitting ways. It's always unfortunate to see a team break up, but hopefully, this new direction can bring something cool to the table.

Springs, Eternal is described as a "lo-fi narrative adventure," and from what I've seen, it's embracing that 90s PC game aesthetic. Think dithered graphics, pixelated visuals, and a very moody color palette. If you were a PC gamer back in the day, I think the visuals will evoke some nostalgia. It reminds me a bit of the older adventure games I grew up with.

While the visuals are different, the core gameplay sounds like it'll have some similarities to Gone Home. It's a first-person game focused on exploration and storytelling. This time, you're in a mountain retreat called Stillwater, which is like a meeting point for lost souls in a "half-remembered otherworld." It is a very interesting premise!

What can you do in Springs, Eternal?

The game centers around recalling a past relationship. As you move around the "open-structure" world, and explore pools, saunas, and other areas, you'll meet many characters. I'm talking about philosophers having never-ending debates, tattoo artists ready to ink your destiny, and more. I think that is very unique!

Apparently, the game world has "dark, winding paths," but the announcement claims you can't die. Which makes me ask: "Can you, really?" The game's aiming for a two-to-three hour runtime, so it sounds like a compact and focused experience. Something that can be enjoyed in a weekend. It is a very good length, I must say.

There's no specific release date yet, but Springs, Eternal is expected to land on PC via Steam sometime next year. I'm personally curious to see how this one turns out. Given the studio's history and the game's unique premise, it could be something special. I will be waiting for it!