Phoenix Springs

Last updated
Phoenix Springs
Phoenix Springs.jpg
Developer Calligram Studio
Publisher Calligram Studio
Platform
ReleaseOctober 7, 2024
Genre Point-and-click adventure
Mode Single-player

Phoenix Springs is a 2024 point-and-click video game developed and published by Calligram Studio. The PC version was released on October 7, 2024.

Contents

Gameplay

Players control Iris Dormer, a veteran reporter searching for her estranged brother. Unlike in traditional point-and-click games where characters collect physical items, Iris gathers information such as names, ideas or phrases. [1] She must connect these clues with the world around her or ask NPCs about them in order to progress.

Development

Phoenix Springs was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2017. The final game trailer premiered at the Day of the Devs showcase during Summer Game Fest 2024. [2] Most of the development team is based in the United Kingdom. [3]

Themes

In an interview with The New York Times , writer and designer Jigmé Özer stated that Phoenix Springs investigates themes at the heart of Buddhism, such as death and the nature of reality. [1] He said the game’s inspirations included Don DeLillo’s novel Zero K , which explores the philosophical implications of life-extending technology, as well as his own research into dementia villages.

Reception

Review aggregator website Open Critic determined that 77% of critics recommended the game. [4] It received “mixed or average” reviews according to Metacritic. [5] Some reviewers expressed frustration with the surreal and abstract storytelling, while praising the art direction and quality of the writing. The Verge called it “unsettling, smart, and emotionally cathartic”. [6] Polygon said it was “a lesson in using negative space, both visually and narratively”. [7] TheGamer rated it 5/5, declaring it “a vibrant reinvention of the point-and-click.” [8]

Accolades

YearCeremonyCategoryResultRef.
2024 A MAZE Wings PrizeNominated [9]
2025 Games for Change Best In InnovationNominated [10]
New York Game Awards Herman Melville Award for Best WritingNominated [10]

References

  1. 1 2 Byrd, Christopher (2024-10-15). "A Philosophical Journey With Clicks of a Mouse". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
  2. ↑ Valentine, Rebekah (2024-06-17). "Day of the Devs 2024: Everything Announced". IGN . Archived from the original on 2025-06-06. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  3. ↑ "About / Contact". Calligram Studio. Retrieved 2025-12-14.
  4. ↑ "Phoenix Springs". OpenCritic . Archived from the original on 2025-12-11. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  5. ↑ "Phoenix Springs". Metacritic . Archived from the original on 2025-12-11. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  6. ↑ Gordon, Lewis (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs reimagines the point-and-click adventure as weird noir". The Verge . Archived from the original on 2025-07-29. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  7. ↑ Hannah, Zoe (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs is a lesson in using negative space, both visually and narratively". Polygon . Archived from the original on 2025-08-14. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  8. ↑ Kaur, Tessa (2024-10-07). "Phoenix Springs Review - A Vibrant Reinvention Of The Point-And-Click". TheGamer . Archived from the original on 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  9. ↑ "Phoenix Springs". A MAZE . Archived from the original on 2025-09-21. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  10. 1 2 McEvoy, Sophie (2025-06-30). "Games for Change 2025 Awards winners unveiled". GamesIndustry.biz . Retrieved 2025-11-16.
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