City of None announced by Celeste co-creator with a 2027 release window

Noel Berry, best known as the co-creator of Celeste, has unveiled a new project developed in collaboration with his brother Liam Berry. The upcoming title, City of None, is a 2D platformer that builds on the precision gameplay associated with Berry’s earlier work, while introducing elements of exploration and combat.

The game has been revealed alongside an early trailer that hints at a darker and more atmospheric tone. Its visual style, featuring subdued colours and stylised character designs, has drawn comparisons to Hollow Knight, another widely acclaimed indie title. While details remain limited, the footage suggests a blend of tight platforming mechanics with a broader sense of adventure.

City of None is currently listed on Steam with a tentative release window of 2027. This places the project firmly in the long-term development category, indicating that players may need to wait several years before experiencing the finished game. Despite the extended timeline, early interest has been fuelled by Berry’s reputation and the success of his previous work.

A new direction for Extremely OK Games

Extremely OK Games is publishing City of None, the studio led by Noel Berry and Maddy Thorson. The company gained widespread recognition following the success of Celeste, which was praised for its precise controls, emotional storytelling, and challenging level design.

The announcement of this new project comes after a significant shift within the studio. In 2025, Extremely OK Games confirmed that it had cancelled its previously announced title, Earthblade. That decision surprised many in the indie gaming community, as Earthblade had been positioned as the studio’s next major release.

The move to cancel Earthblade appears to have allowed the team to refocus its efforts. While the studio has not disclosed extensive details about the transition, the emergence of City of None suggests a renewed creative direction. Observers note that Noel Berry’s involvement and that of his brother may signal a more intimate development process, potentially reflecting a smaller-scale but highly focused project.

Early impressions and community expectations

Although only a brief trailer has been released, City of None has already sparked discussion among players and industry watchers. The combination of platforming, exploration, and combat points to an evolution of the formula that made Celeste a standout success. The addition of combat mechanics, in particular, marks a departure from Berry’s earlier work, which focused almost exclusively on movement and environmental challenges.

The visual presentation has also drawn attention. Its muted palette and intricate environments suggest a more sombre and immersive world, aligning it with other narrative-driven indie games. Comparisons to Hollow Knight highlight expectations that City of None could deliver a similarly rich atmosphere and sense of discovery.

Despite the excitement, the distant release window remains a key consideration. A 2027 launch means that the game is still in relatively early development, and features may change significantly before release. However, the involvement of experienced developers and the studio’s track record provide reassurance to fans eager for another critically acclaimed title.

Industry analysts note that anticipation for City of None is likely to grow steadily as more information becomes available. With the indie gaming sector continuing to expand, projects led by established creators often attract considerable attention, particularly when they promise to build on past successes while exploring new ideas.

For now, City of None stands as an early but promising addition to the future indie landscape, offering a glimpse of what could be the next notable release from one of the genre’s most respected creative teams.