A sequel to the 2017 interactive hidden object game Hidden Folks is coming to PC and mobile in 2027, according to Engadget. The developers released the trailer for Hidden Folks 2 during Summer Game Fest's Wholesome Direct showcase, revealing it'll bring back the illustrated black-and-white art style and silly sounds that defined the first.
"True to the original, the game is all about exploring the little stories scattered throughout each landscape, without time limits or any pressure to score points," the team wrote in a Steam post. "The sequel features completely new themes and areas, improved graphical quality, a second (not text!) clue for those in need, lots of new mouth-made sounds, and various quality-of-life improvements."
The team says it's working to release Hidden Folks 2 "in the first few months of 2027." It'll be available on Steam, itch.io, the App Store, the Google Play Store and possibly Nintendo Switch, "if there's demand."
Gameplay and Features
Hidden Folks 2 retains the core hidden-object gameplay, where players search hand-drawn scenes for specific items and characters. The black-and-white art style, hand-drawn by lead developer Adriaan de Jongh, returns with improved graphical quality. New themes and areas will be introduced, and the game adds a second, non-text clue system to help players who are stuck. The mouth-made sounds that accompanied actions in the first game have been expanded with new variations.
| Feature | Original Hidden Folks (2017) | Hidden Folks 2 (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Art style | Hand-drawn black-and-white | Hand-drawn, improved quality |
| Themes | Various landscapes | Completely new themes and areas |
| Clues | One set of hints | Second non-text clue added |
| Sounds | Mouth-made sounds | New mouth-made sounds added |
| Platforms | PC, mobile, Switch | PC, mobile, possibly Switch |
Announcement and Availability
The game was revealed at Summer Game Fest's Wholesome Direct, an annual showcase for cozy and wholesome games. The developers confirmed a release window of "the first few months of 2027." The game will launch on digital storefronts including Steam, itch.io, the App Store, and the Google Play Store. A Nintendo Switch version is under consideration depending on demand, as stated in the Steam post quoted by Engadget.
The sequel builds on the original's success, which was praised for its relaxing no-pressure gameplay. The team emphasized that Hidden Folks 2 will continue the tradition of exploration without time limits or scoring pressure, aiming to provide a calm experience.
Audience Implications
For enterprise technology leaders, this announcement is purely a consumer entertainment product. No direct applications to supply chain, logistics, or trade technology are evident. The game's development cycle and multi-platform release strategy may offer indirect lessons in software deployment and user experience design, but no specific trade or supply chain features are present in the announcement.
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