Goodnight Universe

Last updated

Goodnight Universe
Goodnight Universe video game cover.jpg
Developer Nice Dream
Publisher Skybound Games
Directors
  • Graham Parkes
  • Oliver Lewin
Producer Oliver Lewin
Designer Bela Messex
Programmers
  • Bela Messex
  • Kenny Park
Artist Daniel Beaulieu
Writer Graham Parkes
Composers
  • Oliver Lewin
  • Dillon Terry
Engine Unity
Platforms
Release
  • Switch 2, PS5, Win, XSX/S
  • November 11, 2025
  • Switch
  • December 18, 2025
Genre Adventure
Mode Single-player

Goodnight Universe is an adventure video game developed by Nice Dream and published by Skybound Games. Players control a 6-month-old baby named Isaac, voiced by Lewis Pullman, who is discovering he has psychic powers. The game was released for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on November 11, 2025, and for Nintendo Switch on December 18, 2025.

Contents

Gameplay

The player controlling Isaac's abilities. Goodnight Universe game screenshot.jpg
The player controlling Isaac's abilities.

Goodnight Universe is a first-person adventure game. The player controls 6-month-old Isaac as he discovers his psychic abilities. Just like Before Your Eyes , the game Nice Dream founders worked on while at GoodbyeWorld Games, the game features optional eye-tracking using the player's camera to interact with the game, but instead of blinking to progress, Goodnight Universe allows the player to move and manipulate objects with their eyes and head, as well as using facial expressions to make in-game choices. [1]

Development and release

The game was made by American developer Nice Dream, a studio that was formed by Graham Parkes and Oliver Lewin, who worked on Before Your Eyes. [2] The main character, Isaac, is voiced by actor Lewis Pullman and other cast members consist of Kerri Kenney-Silver, Al Madrigal, Tessa Espinola, Timothy Simons, and Sarah Burns. [3] The game was announced in April 2024 [4] and was released for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on November 11, 2025, [5] followed by a Nintendo Switch version on December 18, 2025. [6]

Reception

Critical reception

Goodnight Universe was received "generally favorable" by critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic. [14] OpenCritic determined that 94% of critics recommended the game. [10]

Game Informer 's Eric Van Allen praised the game's story, voice acting, and use of camera, but noted some small detection issues with the camera in relation to the emotion mechanic. Gamekult 's Kelmazad enjoyed the plot, tone, dialogue, and use of the camera, but mentioned that since the camera function is completely optional, the experience could be lessened by those who don't use the feature. [12] GameSpot 's Mark Delaney lauded the game's story, characters, soundtrack, and creative use of the camera, but noted a few moments of the game's pacing being weighed down by frustrating areas. [13]

References

  1. ↑ Colantonio, Giovanni (July 31, 2025). "The Nintendo Direct's best reveal was a real blink and you miss it moment". Polygon . Archived from the original on October 16, 2025. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  2. ↑ Regan, Tom (August 13, 2025). "Goodnight Universe: inside the mind of a psychic baby". The Guardian . Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  3. ↑ Romano, Sal (June 12, 2024). "Goodnight Universe teaser trailer, voice cast announced". Gematsu. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  4. ↑ Yang, George (April 26, 2024). "Before Your Eyes Dev Announces New Game Which Has A Psychic Baby". GameSpot . Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  5. ↑ Romano, Sal (July 31, 2025). "Goodnight Universe adds PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch versions, launches November 11". Gematsu. Archived from the original on August 9, 2025. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  6. ↑ rawmeatcowboy (December 18, 2025). "Goodnight Universe wakes up on Switch today". GoNintendo. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Goodnight Universe PC Critic Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Goodnight Universe PS5 Critic Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Goodnight Universe Switch 2 Critic Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved December 30, 2025.
  10. 1 2 "Goodnight Universe". OpenCritic . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  11. ↑ Van Allen, Eric (November 11, 2025). "Goodnight Universe Review". Game Informer. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Kelmazad, Kelma (November 11, 2025). "Test : Goodnight Universe, the telekinesist baby simulator that transports us". Gamekult . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  13. 1 2 Delaney, Mark (November 11, 2025). "Goodnight Universe Review - The Before Your Eyes Team Does It Again". GameSpot . Retrieved November 11, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Goodnight Universe Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on December 14, 2025. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
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