The latest craze in video games may sound odd, but it’s known as “friendslop.” Titles like Peak, RV There Yet?, and Meccha Chameleon have gained immense popularity in recent times due to their easy-to-understand gameplay, affordable pricing, and the chaotic fun of multiplayer gaming.
According to Patrick Thornley from Langley, B.C., who enjoys playing friendslop games with his friends nationwide, the essence of these games lies in cooperative play, tackling seemingly mundane tasks that become hilariously challenging due to the players’ whimsical antics.
A new release, Big Walk, follows the friendslop trend but stands out by blending emergent disorder with a meticulously designed world reminiscent of classics like Myst and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It’s a strong contender for game of the year, emphasizing the exploration of friendship and shared discovery within a video game setting.
The term “friendslop” is often credited to user @wooosaaaahhhhh in 2025, initially associated with Lethal Company, a multiplayer horror game from 2023 that focused on “friendfarming,” a concept that involves building and enjoying relationships with others. Typically, friendslop games are characterized by their low to medium budgets, swift development, and simplistic visuals compared to high-end titles like Call of Duty.
Most friendslop games present straightforward objectives, such as scaling a mountain in Peak or navigating an RV through the countryside in RV There Yet?. These games often include proximity chat features, where players’ voices fade as they move apart, encouraging teamwork and close interactions.
While success isn’t guaranteed in the friendslop genre, it has spawned viral hits like Peak and Meccha Chameleon, both achieving remarkable sales figures shortly after their launch.
In the case of Big Walk, developed by House House in Melbourne, the game introduces groups of players embodying cartoonish characters exploring an Australian outback-inspired landscape. Players collaborate to solve puzzles, gather objects, and progress through the game’s intricately designed world.
Unlike many procedurally generated friendslop games, Big Walk offers a meticulously crafted environment with fixed puzzles, encouraging players to communicate effectively and work together creatively. The game’s emphasis lies not only on completing tasks but also on fostering friendships and organic interactions among players.
Although Big Walk may lose some novelty after extensive gameplay, its focus on cooperative problem-solving and group dynamics promises a memorable gaming experience. Available on various platforms, including Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch 2, and Sony PlayStation 5, Big Walk stands out as a top-tier gaming option for this year.