Unless you haven’t logged onto the internet recently, then you’ve probably noticed that a demonic waterfowl is everywhere right now. Even Chrissy Teigen is talking about Untitled Goose Game. The memes have been nonstop — really, these jokes have arguably the highlight of the web of late. And now we’ve got proof of the Goose’s domination: it is #1 on the Nintendo Switch best-sellers and digital downloads in the US.
Given that Link’s Awakening is still fairly new and selling pretty well around the globe, Untitled Goose Game’s rise through the ranks is doubly notable here. This is an indie game made by a studio with four people in it. The whole thing started as a joke. Well, now the whole world is in on it.
Perhaps the Goose’s dominion shouldn’t be a surprise: as we’ve argued before, being an asshole is a potent power fantasy. But, more than that, Untitled Goose Game is a title that is easily legible to anyone who looks at it. Birds are assholes. This we know. Slapstick comedy is universal, and it’s especially good for YouTube videos, Twitch streams, and reaction clips. Anecdotally, I’ve spoken to a number of people who say they’ve introduced non-gamers and children to Untitled Goose Game, and in every case, these newbies were able to pick the game up with ease. The humor, strong internet presence, and accessibility have all come together to form a perfect storm for virality. Goose game has broken into the mainstream with gusto.
While developers House House declined to share specific sales numbers with Polygon, fans are already imagining potential follow-ups and DLC for the Goose. Many are rallying to see the orange-beaked menace to show up in Smash Bros. But if nothing else, I hope we can all agree on one thing: HONK.
Comments
HONK
flap
HONK
HONK
I’m stealing your article and running away with it.
By jamuszero on 10.02.19 2:20pm
Goose’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.
By Tobasco da Gama on 10.02.19 2:33pm
This is what happens when concept, execution and price all converge perfectly. It’s genuinely fun.
By FaustsHausUK on 10.02.19 2:57pm
This is the new Portal.
By hsxp on 10.02.19 3:32pm
This is nuts. Congrats to the team!
By yovargas on 10.02.19 3:36pm
Would love Canada Goose (Toronto), and Swan (Buckingham Palace) DLC.
By TryToBeHopeful on 10.02.19 4:28pm
Oh god, swans are huge dicks. It would be the best.
By Chad_Sexington on 10.02.19 4:39pm
Location based DLC, please.
Goose on a yacht.
Goose in an office.
Goose in the White House.
Basically just lean into the Hitman comparisons and give us Goose in all sorts of fun places to ruin.
By Ravenlock on 10.02.19 4:52pm
Like seriously just make infinite DLC i’ll keep giving you guys money.
By Bananaste on 10.02.19 8:38pm
I’m curious to see who will copy it. Like the Simpsons people have to be kicking themselves. Someone finally makes the perfect Bart Simpson game, and it’s about a goose. I’m guessing that there are a number of IPs out there right now trying to figure out how to adapt the Untitled Goose game play model to their characters and settings.
By celestialflower on 10.02.19 5:56pm
EA is already planning a clone starring an angry duck, with a free-to-play Battle Royale mode and an in-game slot machine.
By illsubliminal on 10.02.19 8:07pm
No Smash Bros. The goose works because he or she hides in bushes and is otherwise sneaky. That would only work in Smash if the goose could hide behind the scenery or something.
By Keithustus on 10.03.19 9:12am
Goose as an assist trophy?
By Higher_Ground on 10.03.19 1:51pm
Can we have a goose cameo in Hitman pleeeeeeeze?
By ElTiempo on 10.03.19 9:29am