To The Moon will stand as the first chapter in the Sigmund Corp. series with episode number two, Finding Paradise, not all that far away.
Ken Gao, who serves basically as all of Freebird Games and creator of this indie hit, recently spoke with Engadget, revealing not only his experience in following up his first game but also the release window for his second. Finding Paradise will serve as the second full game of five in the series that is named after the in-world company that can makes the wishes of the dying happen in their minds. The game is currently scheduled for release sometime in late 2016/early 2017 for PC, Mac and Linux.
To The Moon was a resounding success with fans and critics, winning all sorts of awards when it released in 2012, but Gao himself isn’t immune to the pressure of this next episode. “It is certainly wonderful to be able to not worry about stability for the time being while making the game,” he says in regards to how that first game changed his life, “but at the same time…there is a kind of expectation and pressure that comes with it that almost balances things out in terms of my focus.”
He goes on to point out that it’s just him on a full time basis behind these games, but that none of this is to say that he’s “ungrateful.” He just doesn’t want the fame to change who he is; “I try to not change and stay how I was before To the Moon, just a hermit making games and writing stories as a way to communicate.”
In the years between, Gao hasn’t exactly been sitting pretty either. He’s released a digital comic following the adventure of the stuffed platypus and origami bunny, and released three mini-episodes. Two of those deal with the antics and world of Sigmund Corp. themselves while the third, entitled A Bird Story, is said to be somewhat of a prologue to Finding Paradise. When asked what fans can expect of in terms of the story tone in Paradise, Gao promises something on the level of “tragicomedy” as To The Moon.
Check out the video below to see not only a load of screenshots for the game, but also some music that may help you remember what made the first game feel so special. Are you interested in Finding Paradise?
