When Bruce Straley left Naughty Dog after directing The Last of Us and Uncharted 4, everyone wondered what he would do next. The answer, revealed at The Game Awards 2025, is delightfully unexpected. Coven of the Chicken Foot is the debut title from his new studio, Wildflower Interactive, and it couldn’t be further from the gritty realism of his past work.
Described as an “emotionally rich, creature puzzle-platformer,” the game puts you in the boots (or rather, chicken feet) of Gertie, an elderly witch. The dungeons have been looted, the monsters slain, and the heroes have gone home. Now, it is time for Gertie to clean up the mess. It is a brilliant premise that flips the script on traditional fantasy tropes, focusing on the quiet, weird aftermath of a grand adventure.
A Witch and Her Monster
The heart of the game lies in the relationship between Gertie and her companion—a “peculiar creature” that looks like a cross between a giant turnip and a Totoro. Unlike traditional AI companions that just follow you around, this creature has its own agency. It observes you, learns from your actions, and develops new behaviors based on how you treat it.
Straley has cited The Last Guardian as an inspiration, and you can see it in the way the duo interacts. They don’t speak the same language, so communication is wordless, relying on gestures and trust. Solving puzzles requires working together, but the creature isn’t just a tool; it has its own motivations that will slowly unravel as the story progresses.
No Swords, Just Smarts
Forget about combat combos or skill trees. Gertie isn’t a warrior. She won’t be double-jumping or swinging swords. Instead, the gameplay focuses on tactile problem-solving and environmental manipulation. You will need to use your wits (and your creature friend) to navigate lush forests, murky bogs, and abandoned dungeons.
The art style is another standout. It ditches photorealism for a stylized, hand-crafted look that feels like a darker, earthier Studio Ghibli film. It is whimsical but grounded in a sense of folk horror—after all, the game is called Coven of the Chicken Foot, a nod to the Baba Yaga folklore.
Release Date and Platforms
Currently, Coven of the Chicken Foot has no official release date, though it is available to wishlist on Steam. It has been confirmed for PC, with no console versions announced just yet. Given Straley’s pedigree, however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it eventually migrate to PlayStation or Switch.
Conclusion
Bruce Straley helped define cinematic storytelling in video games. Now, he is trying to evolve it by stripping away the dialogue and explosions. Coven of the Chicken Foot looks like a bold, charming experiment in interactive empathy. If you are tired of saving the world, maybe it is time to just take a walk in the woods with a weird monster instead.
FAQs
When is Coven of the Chicken Foot coming out?
No release date has been announced yet. It is currently listed as “To Be Announced” on Steam.
What platforms is it on?
It has been confirmed for PC (via Steam). No console versions have been announced at this time.
Is there combat in the game?
No. The game focuses on puzzle-solving, exploration, and platforming. Gertie does not use weapons or fight enemies in the traditional sense.
Who is the developer?
The game is being developed by Wildflower Interactive, a new indie studio founded by Bruce Straley, the co-director of The Last of Us and Uncharted 4.
Is it multiplayer?
No, it is a single-player adventure focused on the bond between Gertie and her AI companion.