Video games are a powerful medium. Over the years, developers have begun to use games not only to entertain us but also to tell meaningful stories and shed light on real-world issues, such as depression. This is the focus of To Leave, an indie platformer game that is currently available on PC and PS4. Today, RedDeer.Games announced that To Leave will release on Switch and Xbox on September 9. They also revealed more about the game and shared a brand-new trailer.
This indie platformer game’s themes are apparent in its very premise. Here’s an excerpt from the game’s Steam page:
“Harm – a manic-depressive young man in possession of a magical, flying door – seeks to use an ancient, derelict technology to harvest the souls of his homeworld and send everyone (including himself) to heaven.”
According to today’s announcement, Harm’s task can be accomplished by entering a world known as Dark Void via a magical door. From there, players guide Harm through 80 hand-drawn levels.
“Travel to another world using the doors, but be careful they are very fragile! Feel the weight of depression with a mix of gameplay and immersive story.
Discover hidden symbols, challenge yourself, solve secrets and learn the truth about Harm.”
The publisher says that the game has been compared to other well-known indie titles, such as GRIS and Limbo. To Leave has been available on Steam since October 2018. At the time of writing, the game has a review score of Mostly Positive. It will surely be interesting to see whether the game finds more footing and a wider audience on Xbox and Switch.
Today’s announcement concludes with a tribute to the game’s creator, who passed away last year.
“Estefano or “Esteto” as his family lovingly called him on 03.10.1989, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He was an intelligent, curious and restless boy, with the desire to create games. He learned how games were made, and became fascinated by the wide possibilities of technology.”
Estefano later founded Freaky Creations and developed To Leave.
“He created it from scratch, with shared ideals and his vision of caring for the player’s experience throughout every decision made for the game, its mechanics, the story and aesthetics.”
To Leave releases on Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles on September 9.