Game File, a thrice-weekly newsletter by longtime gaming reporter Stephen Totilo (Kotaku, Axios, MTV News, The New York Times), offers scoops, interviews, and regular updates on gaming. In this edition, we delve into the world of Monument Valley 3.

Uncover the Positive Impact of Monument Valley 3

Lofty Reason and Environmental Message

Monument Valley 3, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved puzzle game series, comes from Ustwo Games, a "B-Corp game studio" dedicated to environmental and social good. As the water rises around the puzzle towers in its water-covered world, designers hope players will notice rising sea levels and take action. The game's credits even state that "Worldwide, 1.81 billion people face intense flooding risk. Ustwo Games stands with flood relief programs." This message is explicit and provides a unique perspective on gaming. 2: The studio's commitment to environmental causes is not just a marketing ploy. It is a genuine effort to make a difference. By incorporating these themes into the game, Ustwo Games is reaching players on a deeper level and inspiring them to think about global issues.

Personal Motivation and Director's Background

The sequel's new levels set across a sailable sea hold a personal significance for game director Jennifer Estaris. She used to live in the Danish "canal community" of Sluseholmen, where she could enjoy water activities. This experience inspired her to bring these elements into the game and share the special aspects of her life with others. 2: Estaris' connection to the game's setting adds a personal touch that makes it more than just a puzzle game. It becomes a story about a person's life and the values they hold dear.

Art and Commerce in Gaming

Monument Valley 3 is a game of art and commerce. It is created by a B Corp but published by a more familiar megacorp like Netflix. Players need a subscription to access and play this phone and tablet game (iOS and Android, Dec. 10). This highlights the complex nature of the gaming industry and how different entities come together to create a gaming experience. 2: Despite the commercial aspect, the game still manages to convey a powerful message. It shows that gaming can be a platform for social and environmental change, not just entertainment.

Development Team and Diversity

The development team of Monument Valley 3 is different from the industry standard. A group photo or the credits reveal a diverse group of names, including Lili, Emily, Mairi, and Holly. Estaris acknowledges that this is the most women she has worked with on a game team in a long time and that the team is also diverse culturally. 2: This diversity is reflected in the game's design. Touches like the abundance of softer and more organic shapes and the far-flung inspiration for architecture show the influence of different backgrounds. The game becomes a celebration of diversity in gaming.

Expansions and Player Feedback

Monument Valley 3 is a denser sequel with more puzzles per chapter than its predecessors. However, it remains a relatively short game that can be finished in a couple of hours. The developers have planned to release four more chapters through winter 2025, inspired by player feedback. 2: Estaris is used to expanding games based on player input. She sees games-as-a-service as a way to listen to players and support their interests. This approach shows the importance of player feedback in game development.

Soundtrack and Cultural Influences

The Monument Valley 3 soundtrack includes instruments that are "lesser heard," such as the kora from west Africa and bamboo flutes from Laos and Thailand. These touches add to the game's cultural richness and make it a truly global experience. 2: The inclusion of these instruments is not forced but natural to the game's creators. It shows their respect for different cultures and their desire to create a diverse gaming world.