In an industry increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, a video game made entirely by hand with real physical materials stands out like a artifact from another era. Out of Words is that game, an ambitious co-op platformer where every frame of animation, every creature, every blade of grass exists as a tangible object in the real world before being captured on screen.
The handmade aesthetic immediately sets the tone for what the developers at WiredFly and Kong Orange are trying to accomplish. The story follows Kurt and Karla, childhood best friends who have grown closer as they age but cannot bring themselves to express their changing feelings for each other. At a critical moment before crossing a street, they fail to speak, and lose their ability to communicate entirely. They are transported to a fantastical realm called Vokabulantis, where they discover their mouths have literally vanished, replaced by a small creature named Aleph that grants them supernatural abilities.
The entire narrative framework draws inspiration from a poem by Danish poet Morten Søndergaard, with language, communication, and human connection woven into every element of the world design. Each level carries allegorical meaning connected to the story's central themes.
During a 20-minute demo at Summer Game Fest, game design lead Jeff Sparks walked through several gameplay scenarios that showcase both the visual artistry and mechanical variety. One early task involved helping a character named Prince escape from mud on his motorcycle, a sequence that felt lighthearted and demonstrated the painstaking animation work involved in each character and creature.
The team iterated extensively on how the narrative and gameplay could reinforce one another. Sparks noted they created hundreds of prototypes to ensure the co-op mechanics aligned with the emotional beats of Kurt and Karla's relationship. Some areas deliberately conveyed darker, heavier atmospheres with unsettling creatures, while others introduced mechanics like anti-gravity platforming that required players to walk on ceilings and walls, choices that carry narrative significance beyond pure gameplay novelty.
The visual design relies on practical materials: moss, clay, stone, and elaborate lighting techniques including bokeh effects to guide the player's eye and create depth. The craftsmanship is evident in every corner, though the environment remains engaging rather than distracting during faster-paced sequences where creatures chase the players.
Out of Words is designed as mandatory co-op, meaning there is no artificial companion to fill a missing player slot. This design philosophy mirrors titles like Split Fiction and It Takes Two, forcing players to commit to experiencing the game alongside another person. Sparks emphasized the importance of local couch co-op, though the developers recognize that not all players live close enough to share a screen. The game will support online play across platforms, with aspirations to eventually enable game-sharing so a single purchase covers both players online.
Sparks cautioned that gameplay length remains somewhat uncertain as development continues, but offered a loose estimate of approximately 10 hours for a complete playthrough. The structure is largely linear with defined entry and exit points to each level, though hidden areas containing missing words from the narrative poem reward players who take time to explore and absorb the world.
The emotional ambition of Out of Words is impossible to ignore. When asked if the game might make players cry, Sparks admitted he becomes emotional simply discussing the project. He reframed the question as a feature rather than a bug: meaningful stories sometimes warrant emotional responses, and while the team is not cynically designing for tears, they expect the narrative will resonate deeply with players.
Sparks spoke about the team's investment in the work with obvious sincerity, noting that WiredFly and Kong Orange are "putting our full hearts into this" and hope the experience offers connection and meaning at a cultural moment that desperately needs it. The emphasis on artistry, craftsmanship, and authentic human collaboration runs through every decision.
Out of Words launches in early 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Epic Games Store. For players who gravitate toward mandatory co-op experiences or who appreciate physical art translated into digital form, the game merits attention.
Author Emily Chen: "In a sea of algorithmic shortcuts, handmade care still matters, and this one looks genuinely beautiful."
Comments