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Press release:
St. Louis, Missouri – March 29th, 2018 – Game designer Michael Hicks has released a new trailer for The Path of Motus, a game about bullying where words have the power to destroy. The game features a young goblin named Motus who is determined to build bridges through a forest his village is trapped in. However, his perseverance is soon tested, as he meets bullies that use their own words to stop him. Motus will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam later this year.

The new trailer reveals several new features, including a new character in the story: Motus’ father. At 6 years old, Motus’ attempt at bridge building is belittled by his father, who proclaims his creations as a “waste of time” and “unrealistic.” As the story progresses, Motus will gradually grow into an adult and discover the deeper reasons for his father’s actions. This complicated father-son relationship is one of many opportunities where players can explore the motivations of others.

“In a time where bullying is on the rise, I designed this game to teach both resilience and empathy. I want players to understand how it feels to be bullied, and explore ways of dealing with it through gameplay”, explains Hicks.

A lot of Hicks’ own experiences with bullying are in this game, and ironically, teaching himself to make video games has given him an outlet to deal with it. On top of the game’s message, he hopes to give back in other ways: “I’ve started a Youtube channel where I show people how to make their own games. At the end of my video series, viewers will make their own video game that can be released on PC and consoles!” You can find these videos on The Path of Motus website.

The Path of Motus will make its first official public appearance at PAX East next week. Players and press alike are invited to drop by the Indie Minibooth (booth #17070) to meet Michael and play the game. The game will only be showed for the first two days of the event: April 5th and 6th.

Features:
– Verbal Combat: Motus meets bullies that yell a variety of deadly words; you’ll need to tactfully use your own words to deal with them. Will you use your words to inspire, or to destroy?
– Bridge Building: There’s a reason why no one’s made it through the forest! Solve challenging bridge puzzles to build a way out.
– Growing Up: Face unique challenges as Motus gradually grows from a child to an adult. Meet exciting new characters in each chapter of life and explore the deeper reasons for why they’re so aggressive towards others.
– Thought Doors: Solve innovative puzzles that convey what Motus is feeling throughout the story. Unlike other story based games, the coolest moments in The Path of Motus come across nonverbally as you play.

About The Path of Motus:
Will you let other people stop you from pursuing your dreams? For generations, a village of goblins has been trapped inside a mysterious forest; anyone who attempts to leave returns hopeless and defeated. Determined to break new ground, a young goblin named Motus plans to build a series of bridges through the forest. However, his perseverance will soon be tested, as he meets bullies that use their own words to stop him. Will you find a way through life’s forest, or like others be lost in its depths with no will to continue?Developed for three years by Michael Hicks (design, music, programming, writing) and Goncalo Antunes (all art and animations), The Path of Motus weaves gameplay and story together to deliver a poetic experience unlike anything before it. The game is scheduled to release this summer for Xbox One, PS4 and Steam.