Animal Well, the second best-rated game of 2024, is gaining attention not only for its gameplay but also for its incredibly small file size. Developer Billy Basso reveals that the game is only 33.3MB in size, a stark contrast to other games of similar caliber. Basso attributes this efficiency to his approach of programming the game in a compact and straightforward manner. By avoiding unnecessary features and utilizing low-resolution pixel art assets, Basso was able to create a game that is small in size but big on content.
One of the key elements contributing to the small file size of Animal Well is the use of a custom engine. By developing a game engine tailored specifically for Animal Well, Basso was able to eliminate any excess baggage that often comes with generic game engines. This minimalist approach to game design not only reduces the overall file size but also ensures a smoother gameplay experience for the player. Additionally, the decision to use low-resolution pixel art assets further minimizes the storage requirements of the game without compromising on visual quality.
While Animal Well is a mere 33.3MB on PC, the game takes up significantly more space on consoles, particularly on the PS5 where it occupies 101MB. The discrepancy in file size can be attributed to the 4K background image that appears in the console UI when the game icon is selected. According to Basso, this background image alone is larger than the entire game. Despite this difference in file size, Animal Well continues to deliver a rich and immersive gaming experience regardless of the platform.
Despite its small file size, Animal Well has garnered praise for its depth and inventiveness. Described as an “endlessly inventive Metroidvania” in our review, the game offers a vast world to explore and intricate gameplay mechanics to master. The compact size of the game may be deceiving, as players quickly realize that Animal Well is much bigger than its file size would suggest. This serves as a testament to the skillful design and efficient programming utilized by developer Billy Basso.
Animal Well stands as a prime example of how effective design and programming can lead to an exceptional gaming experience without the need for excessive storage space. By prioritizing efficiency and simplicity in game development, developers like Billy Basso are able to create games that not only captivate players but also demonstrate that size is not always indicative of quality.
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