Annapurna Interactive’s 2025 showcase, held on February 24, proved once again why the publisher is a powerhouse in the indie gaming world. With a lineup of half a dozen games, the event offered a glimpse into the future of innovative, boundary-pushing experiences. Among the highlights were Blendo Games’ chaotic sci-fi shooter Skin Deep, the photorealistic beauty of Lushfoil Photography Sim, and the enigmatic charm of To a T, a new narrative adventure from Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi. But it was To a T that stole the show, not just for its quirky premise, but for its unforgettable anthem: the Cooking Giraffe’s ditty, a song so catchy it might just be 2025’s earworm of the year.
The Giraffe Song: A Tune You Didn’t Know You Needed
The debut trailer for To a T opens with a whimsical scene: a giraffe in a chef’s hat, stirring a pot and singing a delightfully absurd song about cooking. The track, titled The Giraffe Song, was composed by Rebecca Sugar, the visionary behind Steven Universe’s iconic soundtrack. Its playful melody and clever lyrics immediately lodge themselves in your brain, leaving you humming along long after the trailer ends.
But here’s the twist: despite the giraffe’s culinary serenade, To a T isn’t actually about cooking. The trailer ends with a cheeky disclaimer clarifying this, leaving viewers both amused and intrigued. So, what is To a T about? According to Annapurna Interactive, it’s a “colorful narrative adventure” game about a teenager navigating life in a small town while stuck in a T-pose. Yes, you read that correctly—a T-pose.
A Teen, a Dog, and a T-Pose: The Heart of To a T
In To a T, players step into the shoes of a teen whose body is perpetually locked in a T-pose, a default animation stance often seen in video game development. Despite this peculiar predicament, the protagonist is determined to make the most of life, exploring their small town, forming relationships, and embarking on adventures with their loyal dog companion.
The game’s charm lies in its ability to turn an ostensibly bizarre premise into a heartfelt exploration of resilience and creativity. Keita Takahashi, the mastermind behind Katamari Damacy, is known for his ability to infuse games with a sense of wonder and whimsy, and To a T appears to be no exception. The trailer’s vibrant art style, endearing characters, and Rebecca Sugar’s infectious soundtrack suggest a game that’s equal parts funny, touching, and deeply imaginative.
Set to launch on May 28 for PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X/S, To a T is already shaping up to be one of the most unique gaming experiences of the year. And while the Cooking Giraffe’s song might not have anything to do with the game’s plot, it’s a perfect encapsulation of the game’s offbeat charm.
Beyond the Giraffe: Other Standouts from the Showcase
While To a T was undoubtedly the star of the show, Annapurna’s 2025 showcase featured several other games that deserve attention. Blendo Games’ Skin Deep, for instance, promises a chaotic and comedic first-person shooter experience set aboard a futuristic cargo starship. With its mix of shooting, sneaking, and even a “stink system” that leaves odor clouds in your wake, Skin Deep is a bold departure from traditional FPS games. Built on a modified version of the Doom 3 engine, the game is set to launch on April 30, with a demo available now as part of Steam Next Fest.
Another standout was Lushfoil Photography Sim, a game that capitalizes on the increasingly photorealistic capabilities of modern gaming hardware. As the name suggests, it’s a photography simulator that allows players to explore stunning, lifelike landscapes and capture their beauty through a virtual lens. With its serene gameplay and breathtaking visuals, Lushfoil Photography Sim offers a tranquil escape for players who appreciate the art of photography. The game is slated for release on April 15 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The showcase also featured updates on other highly anticipated titles, including Wanderstop, a narrative-driven game about running a tea shop, and a PS5 port of the beloved rhythm game Sayonara Wild Hearts. Each game showcased Annapurna’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the indie gaming space.
A Showcase of Creativity and Charm
Annapurna Interactive’s 2025 showcase was a celebration of the quirky, the heartfelt, and the downright bizarre. From the Cooking Giraffe’s infectious ditty to the T-posing teen’s small-town adventures, the event highlighted games that aren’t afraid to take risks and defy expectations.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, showcases like this remind us of the medium’s potential to tell unique stories, evoke emotions, and create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re drawn to the chaotic humor of Skin Deep, the serene beauty of Lushfoil Photography Sim, or the whimsical charm of To a T, one thing is clear: 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for indie games.
And if you find yourself humming The Giraffe Song for days on end, don’t say we didn’t warn you. After all, who could resist a tune about a cooking giraffe, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with the game itself?
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