Originally slated for release back on August 10, developer Genie Boy Games’ debut title T.W.I.R.L., a tale about growing up with a deep secret that must be protected for life, is out now on Steam with a 15% launch discount. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch versions planned to launch at a later date.
Awakened at 3:00 AM each morning by an otherworldly pull drawing him out of bed, he is instructed to move through the dark, moonlit hallways of his childhood home. Creep out of the bedroom undetected. Walk down the corridor. Open the door. Now “T.W.I.R.L.” — whatever that means.
Feel every trembling step forward with haptic controller feedback, exploring an oddly cozy house of horrors rendered through a nostalgic, retro lens. Wander through memories of a concealed adolescence in P.T.-inspired loops as introspection becomes a matter of youthful life or quiet death. Protect your secrets for as long as possible. If anyone were to find out…who knows what hell would come of it?
Follow the boy as he ages into his teenage years, bearing the unspeakable weight of his past. Experience introducing a family, their house, and the unspoken enigma hiding within a story-rich narrative. Witness an intimate group of characters whose personalities are brought to life by a talented team of first-time video game voice actors, including 14-year-old Alexander Roff as “The Boy,” Shannon Mindlin as “The Girlfriend,” Jerry Schultz as “The Priest,” Colleen Arnold as “The Mother,” and others.
“Of many things, T.W.I.R.L. is a challenge to look fear in the eye and see it for what it is: nothing,” said Ben Escobar, founder of Genie Boy Games. “Through our story about childhood secrets, the loss of innocence, and growing up in 2006, we hope that our game inspires you to embrace a rediscovery of self, and an acceptance of your lifelong fears.”