Big Walk, or, I Command You To Relax

Because I have connections in the industry, I was getting hints about the game Big Walk over a year ago during a business lunch.1 I got the sense that it was something really special. When you’re talking to someone who’s infectiously enthusiastic about seemingly everything, and even they seem especially enthusiastic, it sets a high bar. As previews and details about the game were released, and I kept hearing people from Panic talk about it with reverence and excitement, my natural skepticism started to kick in and temper expectations. I am an unabashed fan of Panic, the people there, and the whole philosophy they bring to game dev and publishing. And I honestly don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that Untitled Goose Game, the previous game from developers House House, was a quiet masterpiece. So it wasn’t “I don’t believe you,” but “I’m skeptical that I’m going to see what you all are seeing.” After all, I’ve never been into multiplayer games, but I have still played several. So I do…