Lo, we were granted a glimpse into the realm of Wheel World, a creation from the minds of Nidhogg developer Messhof and the esteemed publisher Annapurna Interactive, revealed during the Xbox Partner Preview of Thursday. This unveiling stands as a significant milestone, being the first game-related proclamation from Annapurna Interactive since a great departure of staff in the early days of September.
Annapurna Interactive has carved out a reputation for itself as a patron of premier indie games like What Remains of Edith Finch and Stray. Yet, tumultuous times befell the company when reports emerged of discord within its leadership over the direction of Annapurna Pictures, helmed by the indomitable Megan Ellison. Following a failed spinoff endeavor and a clandestine deal struck with Remedy Entertainment, unbeknownst to the Annapurna Interactive hierarchy, a staggering 25 staff members chose to resign. While Annapurna pledged its commitment to upholding contracts and continuing its game publishing endeavors post-exodus, the landscape of Annapurna Interactive had irrevocably shifted.
Thus, a silence descended upon Annapurna Interactive, with new announcements held in abeyance. However, a revelation stirred the stillness at the Xbox Partner Preview of October 2024, where Messhof and Annapurna Interactive unveiled the intriguing Wheel World.
Wheel World, in truth, is not a wholly new creation but a rebirth. Originally introduced in a 2023 showcase as Ghost Bike, a tale of a cyclist traversing the afterlife after a fatal car collision. As development progressed, Messhof endeavored to infuse the game with mirth and levity, prompting a metamorphosis in tone and gameplay that rendered the appellation of Ghost Bike obsolete. Now, Wheel World emerges as an expansive open-world adventure following the exploits of Kat, a stalwart cyclist engaged in a valiant quest to preserve Wheel World from impending doom.
Despite a modest delay and a fresh moniker, Wheel World shall soon grace the realms of PC and Xbox Series X/S through Game Pass, as well as make its debut on the illustrious PlayStation 5 in the early months of 2025.
