Flock is a co-op flying game with such a wholesome vibe

The next game from Richard Hogg, Hollow Ponds, and Annapurna Interactive

Hollow Ponds and Richard Hogg, the creators behind Wilmot’s Warehouse, Loot Rascals, and I Am Dead, are back with a relaxing co-op game about the “joy of flight” called Flock. The upcoming PC, PlayStation, and Xbox game made its debut during this afternoon’s Annapurna Interactive Showcase, and it was my highlight of the stream. It’s so pure!

Unsurprisingly, the art direction is fabulous, as I’ve come to expect from Hollow Ponds.

I’m also into the laid-back vibes I’m seeing so far — the idea is to accumulate a hoard of cute critters as a flying shepherd, and you’ll be joined by other players, adding to the coziness. The Steam page mentions online co-op; I’m hoping for couch co-op, too.

According to the developers, you can “charm” creatures into joining your flock, and with hover-sheep in the mix, you can use wool to make “hats, cardigans, and even socks.”

Flock is coming to PC (via Steam), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Game Pass.

Another cool game that Richard Hogg worked on, Hohokum, has found its way onto Steam. After seeing Flock for the first time, my mind immediately went back to that PS3/Vita-era game about exploring fantastic worlds. Some found it a bit dull, but I loved it.

Even if they haven’t caught on with a massive audience, I really appreciate this team’s games. This one, in particular, seems like it has the right ingredients to resonate.