Explore Monument Valley’s creative journey, design innovations, and the upcoming PC release with exclusive developer insights
The Genesis of an Impossible Vision
Dexerto conducted an exclusive interview with Monument Valley’s development team at Ustwo Games, exploring the franchise’s enduring legacy as the Panoramic Collection prepares for its PC debut.
Ustwo Games reveals the creative process behind Monument Valley’s development and its transformation into a gaming landmark ahead of the 2022 PC launch.
Monument Valley, celebrated as one of mobile gaming’s most distinctive puzzle adventures, makes its long-awaited transition to personal computers this year. The Monument Valley: Panoramic Collection introduces both the original masterpiece and its sequel to desktop audiences, featuring protagonist Ida navigating through impossible architecture inspired by M.C. Escher’s optical illusions.
Ahead of the scheduled July 12, 2022 release, Dexerto sat down with Peter Pashley, Chief Development Officer at Ustwo Games, to uncover the franchise’s origins and its profound impact on the development team’s creative trajectory.
“Our foundational concept centered on architectural marvels as the primary character, with expansive structures dominating the screen while a miniature figure explored their intricacies,” Pashley explains, reflecting on the initial vision.
“Creating isometric concept artwork quickly revealed the technical complexity of implementing Escher-inspired impossible geometries within these architectural designs.”
This architectural “impossibility” became Monument Valley’s signature feature, though the team only confirmed its gameplay potential during early testing phases—before constructing any complete levels.
“Our breakthrough arrived with the initial prototype that allowed player interaction with impossible structures, transforming our perspective on the concept’s viability,” Pashley notes.
“Tester reactions to this basic demonstration—their audible amazement and engagement—provided the conviction to proceed despite development hurdles. That validation sustained us through challenging level design phases, reminding us we possessed something extraordinary worth perfecting.”
Essential Gaming Techniques for Puzzle Solving
Advanced Level Design Strategies for Indie Developers
Optimizing Visual Design for Mobile Platforms
Breaking Through: Apple Recognition and Industry Impact
Ustwo successfully delivered on their vision, capturing attention from technology leader Apple and securing prominent placement across the App Store and iPhone marketing campaigns.
“For most players, Monument Valley emerged unexpectedly; while our announcement trailer received positive feedback, Apple’s decision to feature it as Game of the Week during launch proved transformative,” Pashley elaborates. “That endorsement ignited unprecedented momentum that surpassed our most optimistic projections.”
“Our development philosophy emphasized ‘every screen printable quality,’ creating perfect synergy for consumers showcasing their latest devices through visually stunning gameplay.”
“Development pressures intensified considerably for the 2017 sequel, particularly with a predominantly new team lacking the confidence derived from the original’s success journey.”
“When Apple selected Monument Valley 2 to debut their App Store redesign while requiring confidentiality until WWDC revelation, we encountered entirely different pressure dynamics compared to the first installment.
“Maintaining complete secrecy while ensuring the game met sequel expectations and served as flagship representation for a new service created unprecedented development challenges!”
The franchise expanded its cultural footprint through prominent inclusion in Netflix’s House of Cards, introducing Monument Valley’s unique world to television audiences worldwide.
“House of Cards producers contacting us about featuring Monument Valley initially seemed like an elaborate prank,” Pashley admits.
“The game contributed to establishing a distinctive gaming aesthetic category—zen puzzle experiences—that we never anticipated creating.”
“Recently, a new team member mentioned Monument Valley being studied in his film school curriculum; this weekend I encountered an eight-year-old enthusiast who wasn’t born during the original launch.”
Considering both Monument Valley titles collectively, Ustwo maintains humble perspectives regarding the franchise’s influence on their studio and team members’ professional lives.
“Realistically, our company and positions likely wouldn’t exist without Monument Valley’s achievements,” Pashley states.
“While we’d prefer attributing success purely to exceptional talent enabling alternative accomplishments, such achievements involve substantial fortune. We benefited from fortunate timing with a compelling concept, the appropriate team for execution, and a supportive ecosystem for launch.”
“Contemporary mobile ecosystems wouldn’t support similar success levels for compact premium gaming experiences.”
Panoramic Collection: Expanding to PC Platform
Meanwhile, Ustwo confirms Monument Valley 3 development progresses “tantalizingly on the horizon,” positioning the PC adaptation as an ideal introduction for new audiences before the next installment arrives.
“We’ve contemplated this transition extensively but consistently maintained that mere platform expansion wouldn’t suffice—we needed exceptional execution that expands the gaming canvas while ensuring mouse controls match the original touchscreen precision.”
“The game’s intricate design nuances prevented outsourcing this adaptation; only recently have we possessed the necessary resources and timing to accomplish it properly. Revisiting both titles for transformation into slightly altered experiences for different audiences has been challenging yet profoundly rewarding.”
“My initial experience with the expanded canvas format felt intuitively correct—it dramatically enhances atmospheric depth and player immersion. Monument Valley consistently captivates attention, but occupying the complete visual field creates virtual reality-like engagement. The sensation resembled discovering Monument Valley anew.”
Monument Valley: Panoramic Collection releases on July 12 for PC platforms.
Essential Tips for New Monument Valley Players
Approach each level with patience and observation—the solutions often reveal themselves through careful environmental examination rather than rushed interaction.
Avoiding Common Puzzle-Solving Mistakes
Resist the temptation to force interactions; Monument Valley’s puzzles reward contemplative exploration over aggressive manipulation of game elements.
Advanced Navigation Strategies
Master the perspective-shifting mechanics by experimenting with different camera angles—sometimes the solution becomes visible only from specific vantage points.
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