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Press release:
19 FEBRUARY 2024.
The Belgian solo indie games developer Thomas Waterzooi are today very happy and excited to announce that his cozy puzzler “Please, Touch The Artwork 2”, is now available for PC (via Steam) and mobile devices (iOS and Android).

There are no ads, no hidden fees, and no paid DLC – just a free game to savor at your own pace.

Dive into the world of James Ensor, the Belgian Modern Art pioneer, with Please, Touch The Artwork 2: Explore his iconic paintings in a quirky, cozy, and engaging hidden-object artventure that’s filled with surprises. Help quirky characters retrieve lost items and restore gaps in the paintings in a game that transforms art appreciation into a short,fun-filled journey.

The game was made with the support of the Flemish Government, on the occasion of the Belgian EU Presidency 2024 and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of James Ensor’s passing in 2024. Making it available for free ensures that everyone can enjoy the game without any barriers to entry.

For more information and to download the game, visit the official website. Join us on this artistic adventure today!

Here is what the press had to say:

“Please, Touch the Artwork 2 simultaneously managed to reframe my perspective on art, introduce me to one of the 20th century’s greatest painters, and offer a touching, heartfelt narrative imbued with great reverence for a medium that is perhaps at its best when we get to poke it with a giant skeleton hand.”
- 9/10, TheGameCrater.com

“Please, Touch The Artwork 2 offers unique and engaging gameplay with the challenge of a hidden object puzzle game. With its seamless integration of gaming and art appreciation, it shows the creativity that can be found between gaming and the art world, and developer Thomas Waterzooi’s love of the arts shines through in the gameplay.”
- Two Thumbs up! (10/10), LadiesGamers.com

“Walking through James Ensors’ paintings offers a magical cozy artventure that’s filled with unexpected moments; as a free game, this is a must-play!”
- 9/10, GamingBoulevard.com

The entire game shows enormous respect for Ensor’s work. It’s just an hour long, but for a completely free game, that’s not bad at all. So by all means, take the time to download and play this artful game that has itself become a masterpiece.” (translated from Dutch)
- 5/5, HetNieuwsblad.be

About the game
Assist a wandering skeleton artist in navigating a surreal, hand-painted universe, while collecting hidden objects for its quirky inhabitants. Solve casual puzzles and fix gaps and cracks in the paintings. Carefully crafted from works by James Ensor, a Belgian pioneer in the world of Modern Art.

Key features:

Explore 5 unique worlds – Embark on a journey through five distinct worlds, each brimming with the mesmerizing art of James Ensor. Discover hidden treasures and unravel the mysteries within his famous paintings.
Hints when stuck – Stuck on a particularly elusive object? No worries! Players can request hints to nudge them in the right direction. This ensures a frustration-free adventure, allowing you to seamlessly continue your exploration.
Simple point & click controls – Navigate the world by clicking or tapping where you want to move. The intuitive controls make it accessible to all types of players. Take advantage of the zoom function to delve into every intricate detail.
Casual hand-painted art – Interactive elements and animations made from James Ensor’s authentic hand-painted works bring his masterpieces to life.
Atmospheric relaxing sound – Let the immersive atmosphere and tranquil soundscapes wash over you as you delve into Ensor’s world. The combination of real art and calming audio creates a mesmerizing experience.
Highly accessible – With a light-hearted and playful approach, “Please, Touch The Artwork 2” is a delightfully cozy adventure suitable for almost everyone.

About Studio Waterzooi
Studio Waterzooi is the one-man company behind Thomas Waterzooi. Thomas previously worked on Divinity Original Sin (Larian Studios) and Hitman (IO-Interactive) before becoming a solo indie developer in 2018. He focuses on making accessible interactive stories and playful games inspired by art, culture, society & human interest.

His games are not about skills or high scores. They are about relaxing, reflecting, playful tinkering, and being sucked into the story and aesthetics (nowadays also often referred to as “wholesome”). His first big solo project “Please, Touch The Artwork” has received several awards and international nominations.
https://www.studiowaterzooi.com/