Hirogami: A Unique Narrative Experience in Gaming
Hirogami, the highly anticipated platformer from Bandai Namco Studios, is gearing up for its release on September 3, 2025. The game invites players to step into the shoes of Hiro, a "folding master" striving to redeem himself by saving the paper-crafted world from an ominous entity known as the Blight. Its innovative gameplay and art style hark back to traditional paper-folding, allowing players to navigate through a beautifully crafted universe using various forms, such as a rolling Armadillo or a floating sheet of paper.
In a recent interview, creative director Yandhie Pratopo and lead game designer Yi Hang Yong discussed the game’s narrative themes. They shared that while the project began with the concept of an origami world, the narrative evolved to symbolize the tension between organic creativity—represented by Hiro and his paper-based companions—and the cold precision of the digital Blight. This dynamic encapsulates the broader themes of obsolescence and the conflict between tradition and modernity.
Unlike typical good-versus-evil narratives, the developers aim to explore deeper philosophical questions about value and existence. Pratopo emphasized, “We wanted to explore what happens when one force overwrites another, not because it is evil, but because it deems the other unnecessary.” Moreover, the themes resonate with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, celebrating imperfections and the transient beauty of art.
The recently released demo during Steam Next Fest has garnered considerable attention, providing players a taste of the game’s engaging mechanics and story. Gamers who appreciate hand-crafted aesthetics and thought-provoking narratives will find Hirogami a refreshing addition to the platforming genre. With the demo now available on Steam, players can embark on this unique journey ahead of the official launch.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
