The gaming world is no stranger to bizarre concepts, but Devolver Digital’s upcoming Baby Steps might just take the crown for the most literal—and oddly compelling—walking simulator ever made. After its initial reveal in 2023, the game has resurfaced with fresh details, confirming its status as a PlayStation 5 console exclusive set to launch later this year. Players will step into the shoes (or rather, the stumbling feet) of Nate, a 35-year-old slacker who finds himself mysteriously transported to a surreal fantasy world where he must relearn the most basic human skill: walking.
A Game About the Struggle of Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
At first glance, Baby Steps sounds like a joke—a satirical jab at the walking simulator genre, where games like Dear Esther and Firewatch emphasize exploration over action. But Devolver Digital, known for its offbeat humor and indie darlings like Cult of the Lamb and Fall Guys, appears to be taking the premise seriously. Or at least, seriously absurd.
Nate isn’t just walking through a pretty landscape; he’s fighting against physics, his own clumsiness, and the sheer ridiculousness of his situation. Early footage shows him tripping over rocks, sliding down muddy hills, and flailing his limbs like a newborn deer. The game’s physics-based movement system ensures that every step feels like a precarious achievement, turning what should be mundane into a slapstick struggle for survival.
A Strange World That Demands Mastery of the Mundane
The world of Baby Steps is as bizarre as its premise. Nate wakes up in a realm that blends mundane suburban decay with dreamlike surrealism—think overgrown forests dotted with abandoned fast-food wrappers, or misty mountainsides littered with old couches and CRT televisions. The inhabitants of this world, if they can even be called that, seem indifferent to Nate’s presence, leaving him to navigate the terrain with nothing but his own two feet and a growing sense of bewilderment.
Unlike traditional walking simulators, which often rely on passive storytelling, Baby Steps introduces light survival elements. Players must manage Nate’s stamina, avoid hazards, and even solve simple environmental puzzles—all while dealing with the fact that walking in a straight line is harder than it looks. The game’s humor shines through in these moments, with Nate muttering sarcastic commentary as he faceplants into yet another puddle.
Why the Concept Works
On paper, a game about walking shouldn’t be entertaining. But Baby Steps leans into its absurdity with such confidence that it becomes strangely compelling. The developers, a small team called Gabe Cuzzillo (known for Ape Out), Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy (of Getting Over It fame), specialize in games that turn frustration into comedy. Getting Over It, a cult hit about climbing a mountain with a sledgehammer, proved that even the most infuriating mechanics can be addictive when paired with sharp wit.
Baby Steps follows that same philosophy. By making movement itself the challenge, the game forces players to engage with its world in a way most titles don’t. There’s no combat, no crafting, no skill trees—just Nate, his uncooperative legs, and the strange journey ahead.
A Potential Sleeper Hit for the PS5
While Baby Steps might not have the blockbuster appeal of a God of War or Spider-Man, it’s exactly the kind of quirky, experimental title that could become a cult favorite. Devolver Digital has a knack for publishing games that stand out precisely because they defy convention, and Baby Steps fits that mold perfectly.
Its exclusivity on the PS5 is also noteworthy. While indie games often launch across multiple platforms, Sony’s willingness to secure exclusivity suggests they see potential in its unique appeal. Given the PS5’s robust haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, Baby Steps could even incorporate immersive controller features—imagine feeling every stumble and slip through the DualSense’s rumble.
The Bigger Picture: Indie Innovation in AAA Spaces
Baby Steps arrives at a time when the gaming industry is increasingly dominated by massive franchises and live-service models. In that landscape, a game about a man relearning how to walk feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that gaming, at its best, can be weird, experimental, and deeply personal.
If Baby Steps succeeds, it could inspire more studios to take risks with unconventional mechanics. After all, if a game about walking can captivate players, what other everyday actions could be turned into compelling gameplay?
What to Expect When It Launches
Devolver Digital has confirmed a 2024 release window, though an exact date remains under wraps. Given the studio’s track record, players can expect a polished, tightly designed experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome—likely a 5- to 10-hour journey filled with laughs, frustration, and maybe even a few poignant moments.
For now, Baby Steps stands as one of the most intriguing oddities on the PS5’s upcoming roster. It might not be the most hyped game of the year, but for those tired of the same old open-world grind, Nate’s clumsy adventure could be the perfect palate cleanser. After all, in a world where games constantly demand players to run, fight, and conquer, there’s something refreshing about one that just asks you to take things… one step at a time.
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