Animal Well

Animal Well

On the occasion of our 5th anniversary, Gamespace is proud to feature the acclaimed, independent video game Animal Well (2024), created by Chicago‑based developer Billy Basso.  Praised for its rich atmosphere and masterful environmental design, Animal Well is a game about a mysterious underground labyrinth filled with strange creatures and puzzles. Players must navigate a gumdrop-like creature across an unfolding grid of interconnected screens, relying on their wits and curiosity to unlock its secrets through the use of playful tools. 

The game's restrained, pixellated graphics instill a haunting and surreal vibe in Basso's hands, defined by a muted, dark color palette and procedural lighting. Players experience a potent mix of dreamlike discovery and danger at the hands of Animal Well's spectral denizens.  

Animal Well is the singular vision of Billy Basso, who built everything—from the bespoke game engine and lighting system to art, animation, ambient audio, design, and puzzles—solo over a seven‑year passion project.  Prior to Animal Well, Basso spent the past decade programming games at larger studios, including Netherrealm, Phosphor Games, and Level Ex. Animal Well won Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction at the 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards and garnered nominations across multiple major awards including the Game Awards 2024, the 25th Game Developers Choice Awards, and the 21st British Academy Games Awards.

Admission also grants access to the Gamespace video game collection of the most influential arcade and console games from game history.

Also check out other Arts events in Chicago.