Strolling Through Big Walk: How House House Turned a Simple Walk Into a Profound Experience

The team at House House, the Melbourne-based studio

The team at House House, the Melbourne-based studio behind the viral sensation Untitled Goose Game, has returned with a new project that trades chaos for contemplation. In Big Walk, players are invited to explore vast landscapes with friends, where the only objective is to wander and converse. The game has already captivated audiences, drawing over a million downloads within its first week of release, proving that sometimes the simplest pleasures resonate most deeply.

To understand the game's essence, I met with the five-person team beneath a eucalyptus tree in their native Melbourne. Our conversation quickly turned into a metaphorical journey, as we imagined ourselves trekking through the very environments they've created. We took a train to the shore, huddled in beachside deck chairs, and climbed a mountain at dawn—all while remaining seated in their office. It was a fitting introduction to a game that blurs the line between the digital and the tangible.

Big Walk emerged from a desire to pivot

Big Walk emerged from a desire to pivot sharply from the mischievous antics of the Goose Game. The team sought something "unusual" and deliberately different, focusing on the quiet joy of shared exploration. The result is a game that encourages players to slow down, engage in meaningful dialogue, and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. During our walk, the developers shared stories from players, some of which they described as "punch-in-the-gut beautiful," illustrating how the game has fostered genuine emotional connections.

The success of Big Walk, despite its unconventional premise, underscores a growing appetite for games that prioritize experience over achievement. House House has crafted a space where conversation and companionship are the real rewards, and the world itself becomes a character. As we wrapped up our hike, it was clear that Big Walk is more than just a game—it's an invitation to find joy in the journey itself.