A Stop-Motion Masterpiece: Unpacking the Unique Love Story Behind Out of Words
In a world where video games are increasingly reliant on code and digital assets, Out of Words stands out as a refreshing anomaly. This stop-motion adventure game is literally crafted from clay, fabric, and glue, bringing an undeniable charm to its storytelling and gameplay.
The brainchild of Johan Oettinger, a lifelong enthusiast of point-and-click claymation games like The Neverhood, Out of Words has been in development for years. After working on various films, commercials, and installation art projects, Oettinger finally merged his passion for stop-motion with video game design. The result is a love story that transcends the digital realm, told through handcrafted characters, environments, and animations.
The narrative centers around Kurt and Karla, two young protagonists navigating the complexities of first love. With each carefully crafted frame, the studio conveys the anxiety and uncertainty of finding the right words to express one's emotions. This emotional depth is reflected in the game's design, where players must navigate challenges that test their bond with each other.
One of the most striking aspects of Out of Words is its blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The 40-strong studio developed custom scanners and photogrammetry tools to bring handcrafted assets into Unreal Engine, pairing this with stop-motion cutscenes that showcase animators working tirelessly to create each frame. This human touch imbues the game with a sincerity and vulnerability that's rare in digital entertainment.
The co-operative play element is at the heart of Out of Words, allowing two players to guide Kurt and Karla through a world full of unexpected challenges. Trust and communication are key themes here, as players must work together to overcome obstacles and nurture their relationship. Even the game's most intricate puzzles rely on emotional resonance, like the enigmatic giant clay face that 'twitches' around its occupants.
As Oettinger notes, "The co-operative play element is at the very core of the game design." This focus on shared experience and mutual understanding is evident in every aspect of Out of Words. When asked about his ambitions for the game, Oettinger poignantly states, "We basically want you to remember this experience for the rest of your life."
With a release date set for 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, Out of Words promises an unforgettable journey through the complexities of human connection. By embracing traditional craftsmanship and blending it with innovative technology, Oettinger's creation stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling in video games. As the game's lead designer, Jeff Sparks, aptly puts it, "You must treasure the immense adventure it is to express your love to someone for the first time."
In a world where video games are increasingly reliant on code and digital assets, Out of Words stands out as a refreshing anomaly. This stop-motion adventure game is literally crafted from clay, fabric, and glue, bringing an undeniable charm to its storytelling and gameplay.
The brainchild of Johan Oettinger, a lifelong enthusiast of point-and-click claymation games like The Neverhood, Out of Words has been in development for years. After working on various films, commercials, and installation art projects, Oettinger finally merged his passion for stop-motion with video game design. The result is a love story that transcends the digital realm, told through handcrafted characters, environments, and animations.
The narrative centers around Kurt and Karla, two young protagonists navigating the complexities of first love. With each carefully crafted frame, the studio conveys the anxiety and uncertainty of finding the right words to express one's emotions. This emotional depth is reflected in the game's design, where players must navigate challenges that test their bond with each other.
One of the most striking aspects of Out of Words is its blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The 40-strong studio developed custom scanners and photogrammetry tools to bring handcrafted assets into Unreal Engine, pairing this with stop-motion cutscenes that showcase animators working tirelessly to create each frame. This human touch imbues the game with a sincerity and vulnerability that's rare in digital entertainment.
The co-operative play element is at the heart of Out of Words, allowing two players to guide Kurt and Karla through a world full of unexpected challenges. Trust and communication are key themes here, as players must work together to overcome obstacles and nurture their relationship. Even the game's most intricate puzzles rely on emotional resonance, like the enigmatic giant clay face that 'twitches' around its occupants.
As Oettinger notes, "The co-operative play element is at the very core of the game design." This focus on shared experience and mutual understanding is evident in every aspect of Out of Words. When asked about his ambitions for the game, Oettinger poignantly states, "We basically want you to remember this experience for the rest of your life."
With a release date set for 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, Out of Words promises an unforgettable journey through the complexities of human connection. By embracing traditional craftsmanship and blending it with innovative technology, Oettinger's creation stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling in video games. As the game's lead designer, Jeff Sparks, aptly puts it, "You must treasure the immense adventure it is to express your love to someone for the first time."
, this stop-motion masterpiece is like nothing I've ever seen before. The fact that it's made entirely by hand, with clay, fabric, and glue, gives it such a personal touch 
. The way the game conveys anxiety and uncertainty through its characters and environments feels so real, like you're actually navigating your first love 
. And I love how co-op play is at the heart of it all, forcing players to work together and trust each other 
. It's like the developers took a chance on something truly unique and special, and I think that's what sets Out of Words apart from other games 
. Can't wait to get my hands on this one in 2026!
. Out of Words is like a breath of fresh air, though! I mean, who wouldn't want to play a game made entirely out of clay and fabric? It's like a beautifully crafted dollhouse come to life 
. And the storytelling? Forget about it, it's so emotional and real 
. The way they've blended traditional craftsmanship with modern tech is pure genius 
. I'm all for co-op play too - there's something special about playing through challenges with a friend 
. Can't wait to get my hands on this game when it drops in 2026! 
. It's like he took a breath of fresh air in an industry that's often too focused on digital everything 
. I love how the game's handcrafted elements bring a vulnerability and sincerity to the story, it's so relatable 
. And that co-op play element? Game changer 
! It's all about trust and communication, just like real life. I'm excited to see how this unique approach to storytelling will make me feel all those emotions in 2026 
. The fact that they're using traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech is just amazing - it's a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern innovation 
. Can't wait to experience this unforgettable journey through human connection 
.
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i mean out of words is literally stop-motion crafted from clay and fabric and glue... how do they even do that? its like a whole different world. the co-op play element sounds super fun though and the way they blended traditional craftsmanship with tech is insane 
That thing is iconic!
Can't they just hurry up and give us this beautiful game already? But hey, when it does drop, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait. The blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge tech is just genius. 
. It shows that games can still be super personal and emotional like a film or an art piece. I love how its about two young people finding their way in love, it feels so genuine 
. I'm excited to play this when its released on PC in 2026 
. I'm defo keeping an eye on this one for 2026 release.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to play a game where you have to navigate challenges with your partner in co-op mode? 
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Mind. Blown.
. It's gonna be a wild ride 
!
the fact that its got a human touch and not just some soulless digital game is what makes it stand out from all the others. cant wait 2 play it in 2026!!! 