Technically, Panic is older than Google. For years, it only made Mac software. Aside from the amazing Playdate console, Panic is actually the publisher of some pretty phenomenal games (like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game). It likes to publish thing that are beautiful, funny, and evocative. Today, it held its first-ever Panic Games showcase, featuring an update on Nour, a new look at Despelote, and brand new game announcements. The showcase features videos from developers speaking about their games. However, a head’s up in advance: nothing Playdate-related will be included.
Featured Games
Nour
Developed by Jellyfish, Nour is a game about doing something your parents always told you not to do as a child: playing with your food! It’s an experimental food art game blending mouth-watering visuals, dynamic beats, and playful exploration. Play with your food in surreal settings like a symphony of toasters or a bathtub full of ice cream. There are over 20 vignettes to move about it, a suite of kitchen tools are your disposal, and a photo feature that I’m quite excited for. Nour will be released for PC via Steam/Epic, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 on September 12.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Thank Goodness You’re Here! was first announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2023, one of my few highlights in a rather bland show. In Panic’s showcase we meet the game’s developers, Will and James of Coal Supper, and learn a bit about the inspiration behind the world’s first comedy slapformer (comedy + slapstick + platformer). Thank Goodness You’re Here! will be released for for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in 2024.
Despelote
The Despelote portion of the showcase features some new gameplay and a new look at the creation of the game. You can learn more about the game here. Set in 2001, Ecuador has nearly qualified for the world cup. A young boy is living a carefree life, enjoying the excitement coming from his friends and the community as a whole. Players will spend time getting into mischief, exploring, getting to know people, and kicking around a soccer ball. Despelote will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series in early 2024.
Arco
Brand new game announcement time! Arco is a unique tactical action game where your decisions help shape the story. Travel through forests, plains, and deserts while guiding four unlikely heroes in their vendetta against the Red Company Gang. Battle warriors from different nations, fend off greedy colonizers, and slay monstrous creatures. Change your fate one move at a time. Arco is a group effort from Polish pixel artist Franek Nowotniak, Aussie developer Max Cahill, Spanish composer/sound designers José Ramón García, and Mexican industry veteran Antonio Uribe. Arco will be released for PC in 2024.
Time Flies
Panic is publishing Time Flies, the latest game from Playables (the developer of Kids and Plug & Play). Play as a fly with a long bucket list and a short life. Learn an instrument, read a book, get drunk, make someone smile… tick off those items! If you don’t feel like working towards your goals, chill out, clean your wings, and listen to music. Make the best of the time you have, because we’re all going to die. Time Flies will be released for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in 2024.
Untitled game from Okomotive
Okomotive is the developer behind Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides; its next game will be published by Panic and set outside the Far universe. It promises to be the team’s largest game to date.
Untitled game from House House (that is not an Untitled Goose Game sequel)
Finally, Panic will be published House House’s next title. It’s most definitely not a sequel to Untitled Goose Game, and that’s about all we know so far.
Watch the showcase
