Darkwood 2, being developed by Ice-Pick Lodge, was announced at today’s Xbox Showcase.
Darkwood is a top-down survival horror game, and if you’re wondering how horrific a top-down videogame could possibly be, let me assure you the answer is probably more than you think. I called Darkwood « wretched and pestilent » not long after it launched in 2017, and while I haven’t touched the game in years, I stand by that characterization—which, to be clear, is entirely complimentary.
(You don’t have to take my word for it—have a look at that « overwhelmingly positive » rating across more than 20,000 user reviews on Steam.)
So I was genuinely excited to learn today that a sequel, Darkwood 2, is now in development. This does not represent a comeback for original Darkwood developer Acid Wizard Studio, however: It remains in a state of long-term hiatus, which it embarked on in 2023 immediately after releasing an alpha for Soccer Kids, « a game about soccer made by people who suck at playing soccer. » Darkwood 2 is instead being made by Ice-Pick Lodge, the team best known for the Pathologic games. Acid Wizard will remain involved in a consultancy role, and also maintains ownership of the series.
