It’s been in development for three years but now the time has come to launch the a game in which words destroy – yep, The Path of Motus is coming. Real soon.
In fact, The Path of Motus will be here before you know it with a July 17th launch on Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Created by Michael Hicks, it explores the psychology behind bullying, featuring a verbal combat system in which the words used have the power to destroy.
It tells the tale of how a village of goblins has been trapped inside a mysterious forest, and how anyone who attempts to leave returns hopeless and defeated. That is apart from a young goblin named Motus who plans to build a series of bridges through the forest. However, his perseverance is soon tested as he meets bullies that use their own words to stop him. “Playing as Motus requires you to have resilience, and lets players explore the deeper reasons for why people resort to aggression,” explains game designer Michael Hicks.
It was Hicks’ own experiences that inspired his vision for Motus. “When I was younger, I was interested in what made bullies act so aggressive. As time went on I began to befriend some of them, and learned they had either been bullied themselves earlier in life, had really bad family lives, or were just simply jealous of other people; I kept all of this in mind as I designed the game. As Motus gradually grows from a child to an adult, you’ll get to explore the motivations of the characters you meet, and I expect you’ll have some surprising moments in the process! I feel the discussion around this topic often ignores the root causes of bullying, so hopefully this game lets us see how our own actions potentially contribute to this issue.”
Hicks sees the game’s release as a way to give back: “I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity to make this game. It means the world to see people play something I’ve made, and luckily this game has given me several opportunities to give back to some of you. I’ve launched a Youtube channel that shows people how to make their own games! At the end of my series, viewers will be able to make games for platforms such as PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It’s all free, and the programming skills I teach can be used in a wide variety of professions. Hopefully I can pass on the joy of game development to people who need it.”
Features include:
- Verbal Combat: Motus meets bullies that yell a variety of deadly words; you’ll need to tactfully use your own words to deal with them. Will you use your words to inspire, or to destroy?
- Bridge Building: There’s a reason why no one’s made it through the forest! Solve challenging bridge puzzles to build a way out.
- Growing Up: Face unique challenges as Motus gradually grows from a child to an adult. Meet exciting new characters in each chapter of life and explore the deeper reasons for why they’re so aggressive towards others.
- Thought Doors: Solve innovative puzzles that convey what Motus is feeling throughout the story. Unlike other story based games, the coolest moments in The Path of Motus come across nonverbally as you play.
It all promises to be hugely interesting, touching a subject matter that many steer well clear of. You can watch the initial announcement trailer from last year below, which gives a great insight into the world that Motus finds himself in.
After that, it’s a case of sitting back and holding tight for July 17th. We will of course remind you once the release arrives.
