What's Happening?
The recently released game 'Baby Steps,' developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy, has introduced a unique feature aimed at players who frequently skip cutscenes. The game includes a 28-minute long cutscene that is triggered if a player successfully skips most of the other cutscenes throughout the game. This lengthy scene involves characters Nate and Moose engaging in a humorous and seemingly pointless conversation, breaking the fourth wall to discuss the player's tendency to skip scenes. The cutscene is designed as both a reward and a punishment, depending on the player's perspective, and can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube.
Why It's Important?
This development highlights a growing trend in video game design where developers are experimenting with unconventional methods to engage players. By incorporating a lengthy cutscene as a response to skipping behavior, 'Baby Steps' challenges traditional gaming norms and encourages players to reconsider their interaction with game narratives. This approach could influence future game designs, prompting developers to create more interactive and player-responsive content. It also raises questions about player agency and the balance between storytelling and gameplay in video games.
