Videoverse
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| Videoverse | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Kinmoku |
| Publisher | Kinmoku |
| Designer | Lucy Blundell |
| Composer | Clark Aboud |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S |
| Release | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
|
| Genre | Adventure |
| Mode | Single-player |
Videoverse is a 2023 narrative adventure game developed and published by Kinmoku. Players control a teenage gamer in 2003 and help him navigate relationships on a fictional social network dedicated to his favorite video game. Upon release, Videoverse received acclaim from critics, with reviewers highlighting the game's nostalgic imitation of early online communities and the strength of its writing, dialogue and themes. It was released on consoles in 2025.
Players can like posts, post fan art, and communicate with friends in a retro style user interface.[1] Players collect "Help Out" tasks to assist other characters on Videoverse, listed on a notepad.
Plot
Set in 2003, players assume the role of Emmett, a fifteen year-old German boy who plays his favorite video game, Feudal Fantasy, and interacts with other fans on Videoverse, a fictional social network tied to his game console, the Kinmoku Shark. He reconnects with Markus, a fellow Feudal Fantasy player, who invites him to a community about the game on Videoverse, where he meets Vivi, a fellow user that shares Feudal Fantasy art. During Emmett's time on Videoverse, the platform experiences declining moderation and a rise in trolling and harassment. Emmett learns that Kinmoku are retiring the Videoverse services to support an online service for the new Kinmoku console, the Dolphin.
Development
Kinmoku modelled Videoverse's social network on MSN Messenger and the Miiverse, a defunct Nintendo social network.[2] The name of the game's fictional handheld console, the Kinmoku Shark, was inspired by the GameCube's codename, Dolphin. Kinmoku gave the Shark modern attributes but modelled it after various handheld consoles from the 1990s. The initial designs featured more of a shark motif, but this was simplified to make it easier to draw.[3] It initially released on August 7, 2023,[1] and was updated with Steam Deck support on October 13, 2023.[4] On July 31, 2024 – in celebration of PixElated Festival and the first 'Videoversary' – Videoverse 1.2 was released, which featured new artwork, a gallery and extra drawing opportunities.[5] Ports for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and Playstation 4 & Playstation 5 were released on 14th November 2025 by Ratalaika Games. [6]