Potboy: The Lantern Companion of The Midnight Walk

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The Midnight Walk” is the first significant production of MoonHood Studios, a company jointly established by Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm. Gaming enthusiasts may recognize some of the duo’s earlier works, including “Lost in Random,” “Stick it to the Man,” “Flipping Death,” “Ghost Giant,” and “Fe.” Although there are similarities, “The Midnight Walk” sets itself apart from its predecessors with a darker narrative and a more mature atmosphere.

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As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share my excitement for this unique narrative title that skillfully blends the warmth of cozy genres with the chills of horror. Stepping into the shoes of The Burnt One, a character chosen for a crucial mission – rekindling the flame in our world – you won’t embark on this adventure alone. Accompanying you from the start will be Potboy, a tiny lantern creature who brings his own mysterious allure to The Midnight Walk. To delve deeper into Potboy’s background, origin, and significance within this intriguing tale, Game Rant had the privilege of speaking with Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm.

The Midnight Walk Focuses on Light and Darkness

The Midnight Walk Began With Potboy

MoonHood Studios has meticulously crafted and digitized more than 700 unique works of art to breathe life into the world of “The Midnight Walk”. Some pieces are sculpted from clay, while others originate from cardboard, newspaper, and diverse materials that lend a distinctive charm to the game. Klaus emphasized the significance of having a companion in a first-person game like “The Midnight Walk”, but mentioned that Potboy was conceived prior. Olov delved into the history behind both the character and the game itself:

2 and a half years ago, Klaus presented me with the initial version of Potboy. This sparked off ideas for a narrative and pitch! The concept of a small, lantern-like creature with a flaming head was intriguing. It seemed to demand unique gameplay mechanics and captivating storytelling. As we both sought to rekindle our creative energy after the demanding project of Lost in Random, we achieved this quite literally with Potboy’s flame.

In the realm of “The Midnight Walk”, Potboy is a familiar figure to other characters, making it easy for them to identify him as The Burnt One navigates towards Moon Mountain. Along the way, players will be accompanied by Housy, a character who resembles a house and provides comfort as they journey together through the ominous expanse of the world.

Fire Plays a Crucial Role in The Midnight Walk

Drawing influence from enchanting tales such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Over the Garden Wall”, and “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “The Midnight Walk” weaves together a central pathway that immerses players in five distinct fairy tales. Remarkably, while these narratives are grounded in poems and writings about fire and illumination, creators Olov and Klaus emphasize that the stories are primarily their original concepts. Olov further highlighted the pivotal role of Potboy in shaping the broader narrative’s development.

In essence, when our protagonist sported a flame from his/her head, it triggered an exciting game dynamic centered around igniting objects. This sparked debates about the narrative’s implications, such as the right balance of fire, its potential excesses, and whether it was inherently beneficial or not. Generally, it seemed positive, serving to illuminate a gloomy world and restore warmth to its inhabitants. However, there are additional aspects yet to be revealed that hint at a sinister side to fire and light.

Klaus made clear that the concept revolves around the notion that fire has a dual nature: it provides warmth and light, but can also cause destruction if not controlled properly. A delicate balance is essential, as too little may leave one cold, while too much could lead to calamity. This theme lies at the core of the game and will be experienced by players as they progress through their adventure. Gamers eager to explore The Midnight Walk can do so when it officially releases on May 8th.

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2025-04-03 21:15