Celeste co-creator Noel Berry partners with brother to develop new 2D platformer
The new project from the studio founded by Noel Berry and Maddy Thorson draws comparisons to Hollow Knight, though the launch date remains a target rather than a confirmed commitment.
Noel Berry, co-creator of the acclaimed indie hit Celeste, has announced a new partnership with his brother Liam to develop City of None. The project represents a significant evolution for the pair, moving beyond the pure platforming mechanics of their previous work to incorporate adventuring and combat elements within a 2D framework.
The title is being published by Extremely OK Games, the studio established by Noel Berry and Maddy Thorson. Early impressions of the game, derived from available trailers, suggest a distinct visual identity characterised by a muted colour scheme and character designs described as having a buggy aesthetic. This artistic direction has drawn immediate comparisons to the indie sensation Hollow Knight.
A Steam listing currently indicates that the developers are targeting a release date of 2027. However, industry standards dictate that such timelines should be viewed as aspirational goals rather than fixed commitments until officially confirmed by the publisher. Consequently, the public will likely need to wait several more years for the title to reach the public eye.
The announcement comes amidst a period of shifting dynamics within the independent gaming sector. Last year, Extremely OK Games made headlines by cancelling its own planned project, Earthblade. Despite this setback, the continued output of the studio, which is helmed by Berry and Thorson, underscores the resilience and creative capacity of the team.
With a roster of talent that has previously delivered industry-defining hits, the Berry brothers have positioned City of None as a promising new entry for fans of the genre. The project aims to leverage the studio's experience while introducing fresh mechanics that differentiate it from their earlier successes.
As the development cycle proceeds, the focus remains on delivering a polished experience that balances the refined platforming of Celeste with the broader scope of adventuring and combat. Until further details are released, the specific mechanics and narrative depth of City of None remain subjects of speculation among observers.
