When it comes to indie games, arguably no one knows them better than Shuhei Yoshida, the former Head of the Indies Initiative at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Yoshida has had the pleasure of spending some quality time with dozens ofindie gamesbefore they even launch, after which he has been known to make predictions about which of those games will rise to success. In many cases, he has been right, with his predictions regarding the success and popularity ofBlue PrinceandClair Obscur: Expedition 33being his most recent. Now, the icon has revealed yet another indie title that is his currently most anticipated.
Game Rant recently interviewed Shuhei Yoshida at Gamescom Latam in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he briefly touched on hismost anticipated video gamesslated for launch this year. Among those was Sucker Punch’sGhost of Yotei, which Yoshida had already disclosed his opinions about to the public beforehand. However, Yoshida also revealed that his most anticipated indie title, now thatBlue PrinceandClair Obscur: Expedition 33are behind him, is, quite surprisingly,Baby Steps.
Shuhei Yoshida Is Really Looking Forward to Baby Steps
Baby Steps Is a ‘Literal Walking Simulator’
Developed by the creative trio behindGetting Over It with Bennett Foddy,Ape Out, andStick it to the Stickman,Baby Stepshas been dubbed a “literalwalking simulator” in the most absurd and brilliant way possible. Players control a 35-year-old slacker named Nate who, after being mysteriously transported out of his basement, finds himself in a strange mountaintop wilderness. With no clue of where to go or how to survive, he is forced to do something he has never done before — learn to walk. Every leg movement, every foot placement, and every stumble is fully physics-based, making any progress players make both challenging and frequently hilarious.
Unlike most games where walking is as easy as it is in real life,Baby Stepsturns it into a core mechanic of gameplay. Players use the analog sticks and triggers to manually control Nate’s legs, meaning that even walking up a hill can be a dangerous feat. The game has no combat, no inventory, and no leveling up. The challenge is simply staying upright for the long haul. With its dry humor, minimalistic visuals, andrelaxing open world,Baby Stepscalls for its players to embrace failure and turns it into comedy, making it ripe for some hilarious gaming moments.
Shuhei Yoshida Thinks Baby Steps Will Be Popular Among Streamers
Though Yoshida didn’t elaborate on every indie title he’s currently keeping an eye on, he did take a moment to highlightBaby Stepsas one that has stood out to him enough to earn his anticipation. With a laugh, he described how its bizarre concept and awkward controls won him over, particularly in its humor. The game is clearly and abundantly silly, but to Yoshida, that’s all part of its appeal. In fact, it’s precisely the kind of experimental experience he believes makes agreat indie game. RegardingBaby Steps, Yoshida commented,
From an indie standpoint, my most anticipated game is called “Baby Steps.” It’s so funny. You might have seen the trailer. Learning to walk is a challenge, but when you start getting used to walking up a hill, you make one mistake and slide down, back to where you started. It’s really really funny. The game will be super popular with the streamers because it’s really funny for people to fail in that game.
While it might not be the kind of indie game people expect to steal the spotlight,Baby Stepscould very well be thesleeper hitof 2025. If Yoshida’s track record is any indication, it’s a game worth keeping an eye on, not because it’s fast-paced or flashy, but simply because of the humor and joy it has found in the simplest act of putting one foot in front of the other (and sometimes falling flat on your face while doing it).
