Bernband revamps exploration in video gaming

Bernband offers a fresh approach to exploration in gaming, prioritizing wandering over objectives.

Bernband challenges traditional gaming with its unique design

Bernband is an exploration game that invites players to roam through a colorful, alien world without specific goals. Developer Tom van den Boogaart emphasizes the importance of context as players start their journeys from a familiar apartment. The game features non-linear paths with multiple ways to discover new areas, avoiding traditional gamification like maps or checklists. This design aims to maintain the thrill of wandering and finding hidden places. Bernband’s vibrant environments draw inspiration from real-life locations, creating a unique blend of memories and exploration.

The design philosophy behind Bernband represents a shift in gaming towards more immersive experiences. With a focus on exploration rather than competition, it challenges players to engage with their surroundings and build familiarity. The decision to keep aspects like maps out of the game highlights a growing trend in the industry that values personal discovery and spontaneous adventure. This approach resonates with a gaming community eager for deeper emotional connections to virtual worlds, possibly setting a new standard for what exploration games can offer.

Highlights

As the gaming landscape evolves, Bernband may redefine how we perceive exploration in games.