Darwin's Paradox!
| Darwin's Paradox! | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | ZDT Studio |
| Publisher | Konami |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platforms | |
| Release | 2026 |
Darwin's Paradox! is an upcoming platformer video game developed by ZDT Studio and published by Konami. In the game, players take on the role of an octopus named Darwin, who must use his intelligence and ability to survive and make it back to the ocean.[1] The game is scheduled for release in 2026.
Gameplay
[edit]Darwin's Paradox! is a 2.5D story-driven platforming game.[2] In the game, players control the octopus Darwin, who, after waking up in an industrial complex must make his way back home to the ocean. Natural abilities such as suction-cupped arms and ink shooting serve as gameplay mechanics.[3]
Development
[edit]Darwin's Paradox! is developer ZDT Studio's inaugural release.[3] It was originally announced in 2022, as former Arkane Lyon studio director Romuald Capron's next game. At the time, it was reported that the game drew inspiration from Limbo and Little Nightmares. ZDT studio was founded by Gilles Aujard, Mikael Tanguy, and Cédric Lagarrigue.[4] Gilles Aujard serves as the studio's Creative Director. Mikael Tanguy serves as Artistic Director.[5]
The game's title comes from Charles Darwin's 1842 monograph The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs. Darwin's paradox refers to the ecosystem conundrum of how coral reefs can flourish even though tropical waters contain few nutrients.
It was formally revealed during the February 2025 PlayStation State of Play presentation.[6]
Prior to the game's release, Konami symbolically adopted an octopus at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, with a donation.[7]
Release
[edit]In November 2025, the game's release date was delayed to 2026, and an exact release date was not given. It was also announced at this time that the Nintendo Switch version was scrapped.[8] Konami confirmed that the game would now be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 instead.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Darwin's Paradox: this adventure is revealed in a crazy trailer during the State of Play". Sotiraparis. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Octopus Platformer Darwin's Paradox Isn't the Next Game We Expected from Konami". Pushsquare. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Konami Press Start Live June 2025: Everything Announced". IGN South Asia. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Former Arkane Lyon studio director's next game will be 50s sci-fi platformer Darwin's Paradox". Eurogamer. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Konami release New Gameplay and Deep Dive for Octopus Adventure 'Darwin's Paradox". Xbox Era. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Darwin's Paradox is making a splash on PS5 later this year". CheckpointGaming. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Konami Partners with Aquarium of the Pacific to Adopt Octopus for Darwin's Paradox". Noisy Pixel. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Konami's Xbox platformer Darwin's Paradox has been delayed". Trueachievements. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
- ^ "Darwin's Paradox! coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, Nintendo Switch version scrapped, new trailer". Nintendo Everything. Retrieved 6 November 2025.