Crafting a New Era for Monument Valley with the Netflix Generation

Following a decade since the debut of the series, Monument Valley 3 is set to launch, reflecting the evolution of developer Ustwo Games over this period. The game introduces new characters, mechanics such as sailing, an expanded world, and a standalone story, while also adopting a live service approach with Ustwo aiming to release new content seasonally. Between these major chapters, the developer will regularly unveil new activities and puzzles, all exclusively on Netflix, which acts as the publisher for the mobile title. This shift towards live service may seem unexpected from Ustwo, but it represents a natural progression from the studio's past endeavors, including DLC for Monument Valley 1 and 2, pioneering subscription services with Assemble with Care, and its work on Desta: The Memories Between for Netflix. Director Jennifer Estaris emphasizes Ustwo's commitment to respecting players' time, aiming to create meaningful, memorable experiences. For Monument Valley 3, the goal is to establish a 'healthy habit' for players, where they can anticipate and look forward to new content, aligned with the game's themes of caring for the world and fostering community. Estaris highlights the importance of managing players' time thoughtfully and experimenting with the right rhythm for content updates to avoid feeling exploitative. Lead designer Emily Brown refers to the studio's plans for updates as 'Monument Valley snacks,' smaller, satisfying experiences that players can enjoy at their own pace. Lead producer John Lau discusses the challenges of adapting to a live service model, requiring a mindset shift towards sustainability and a 'life after launch.' The team had to balance the introduction of new characters, mechanics, and story elements while maintaining the essence of the Monument Valley experience. Visually, lead artist Lili Ibrahim sought to create a fresh, new aesthetic while retaining the series' DNA, drawing inspiration from graphic design trends, poster design, and editorial treatments. The team's diverse backgrounds and experiences have had a significant impact on the game, with many team members being immigrants or second-generation immigrants, influencing the game's themes of community, movement, and created family. As Monument Valley 3 launches, the previous titles in the franchise have also been released on Netflix, with the publisher expressing satisfaction with their commercial performance. With positive reviews and a strong foundation, the hope is that Monument Valley 3 will perform equally well, paving the way for the future of the Monument Valley world.