[p]In Lost Twins 2, we wanted players to dive straight into the world, no reading required. That led us to one of our most challenging (and rewarding) design experiments yet: a completely textless UI. [/p][p]No labels, no instructions, no language barriers. Just icons. Here’s why we did it, what nearly broke us, and why we might just do it again. The decision to go completely icon-based in Lost Twins 2 wasn’t just a visual experiment. It was a deliberate design philosophy driven by a mix of accessibility, immersion, and practicality.
Why We Did It?[/p][p]The idea came from two main goals:[/p]
[p]Language Independence – One of our core goals was to make Lost Twins 2 truly universal. A game that anyone, anywhere could pick up and play without language being a barrier. Whether you’re a kid in Japan, a parent in Brazil, or a teen in Germany, the experience should feel native to you. By relying solely on icons and visual cues, we skipped the need for translations and localization entirely. No lengthy localization pipelines. No concerns about mistranslations or awkward phrasing. No walls between players and the game. Icons, when done well, speak a language that crosses borders. And in a global gaming landscape, that’s powerful.[/p]
[p]Clean, Immersive Design – Lost Twins 2 is crafted to feel like a dreamy, storybook world. Every screen, every moment is carefully illustrated and designed to pull players in. Text, no matter how well written, can sometimes pull players out.[/p]
[p]And Honestly… Sanity[/p]
[p]Let’s not pretend we didn’t have selfish reasons too.[/p][p]If you’ve ever had to QA a game in eight languages while checking for font issues, line breaks, or missing context… you know the pain.[/p][p]Every new language brings its own technical and cultural quirks, not to mention the cost and overhead of managing updates across them all. By removing that layer entirely, we freed up time and energy to focus on polishing the core experience . [/p][p]Challenges We Faced [/p][p]1. Making icons that actually make sense A heart for "life" is easy. But how do you communicate “Save Game” or “Control Scheme” visually? Some icons went through 10+ iterations before we landed on ones that clicked.[/p][p]2. Player understanding Our first playtesters? Confused. Some icons missed the mark entirely. We had to refine onboarding to teach through action, not explanation. It was all about learn-by-doing.[/p][p]3. No fallback With no text, there was nowhere to hide. No hover-to-explain, no in-game glossary. If it wasn’t intuitive, it didn’t work. We had to rethink our UX from the ground up. [/p][p]What Worked[/p][p]Once it clicked, testers LOVED it. The interface feels slick and universal. Some said it reminded them of early Nintendo-era games that relied on intuition over instruction.[/p][p]Works great across languages and age groups. We had kids and non-English speakers play it with no problem once they got used to the icon logic.[/p][p]It made us more creative as designers. No crutches. Everything had to be shown, not told. [/p][p]What’s Next[/p][p]Still fine-tuning a few icons that aren’t as clear as we’d like. We’re also considering a super minimal tutorial area where players can “play-learn” the meaning of core icons without breaking the vibe.[/p][p]Going icon-only isn’t easy. But it pushed us to design better, think globally, and build a game that speaks in visuals, not words. If you’re building a game where mood and accessibility matter, we can’t recommend this approach enough. Just be ready to test, test, and test again.[/p][p]Best, Playdew Team
[p]Hey everyone! 👋[/p][p]Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what an average day of development looks like as we build Lost Twins 2. It's a puzzle-platformer filled with tile-shifting, sibling teamwork, and handcrafted charm and just like the game itself, our process is full of small moving parts that need to sync perfectly.[/p][p]Here’s a look at one full day: bugs, breakthroughs, banter and all.[/p][p] ☕ 9:00 AM — Mandatory Morning Coffee Every day starts with coffee. Mugs in hand, steam rising, and a slow ease into the day. The studio (or the team chat, for those working remotely) is quiet, with gentle check-ins, memes, or just background lo-fi hums while everyone settles in with a quiet scan of the to-do list. The atmosphere is still, like the early levels of the game. [/p][p]🧠 10:00 AM — Daily Scrum[/p][p]Everyone gathers for the daily standup: a quick, focused sync. What’s in progress, what’s blocked, what weird bug surfaced since yesterday?[/p][p]Some days it’s a smooth check-in. Other days, someone says “So… something broke in the system” and suddenly half the team is pulling up the debugger. Either way, we leave the meeting with a shared direction and a list of today’s mini-quests.[/p][p][/p][p]🐞 10:30 AM — QA Shenanigans[/p][p]QA pulls up with their usual treasure trove of delightful disasters and starts combing through yesterday’s build, looking for edge cases, soft-locks, and those delightfully weird bugs that only show up when you try to break the game on purpose.
As always, a shoutout to the bug-hunting brigade for keeping us humble.
🔧 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Deep Work Begins[/p][p]With priorities set, headphones go back on and the day properly begins. Programmers dive into tile logic, input handling, and camera transitions. Artists jump into Unity to fine-tune color grading, particle effects, or the tiny character animations that give the twins life. If there’s a new level in development, the puzzle designer is busy tweaking layouts and testing flow. [/p][p]🍱 1:00 PM — Lunch Break[/p][p]A well-earned breather. Some head out for a walk, others keep chatting about game ideas between bites. Occasionally, someone drops a new track from the composer and we all pause mid-meal just to vibe.[/p][p][/p][p]🎨 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Creative Crunch[/p][p]The most productive block of the day. New puzzles are tested. Lighting passes are reviewed. Dialogue timing is adjusted. That slightly-off fog color? Tweaked. That one animation that didn’t loop quite right? Smoothed.[/p][p]One person might be obsessing over tile sounds, making sure ground sounds like ground and stone like stone. Another might be deep in the shader graph, working on making water shimmer just right when it catches the light from the lanterns.
✏️ 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM — Journaling & Wind Down[/p][p]Before logging off, we update the dev journal, jot down what worked, and flag anything strange for tomorrow. Sometimes we gather feedback on a new level from the whole team. Sometimes we just share a pretty screenshot and admire the way it all came together. [/p][p]🌙 After 6:00 PM — Banter, Bites & Sign-offs[/p][p]As the work wraps, the group chat shifts gears. Screenshots give way to snack pics. Someone shares their dinner, someone else reacts with “when is the studio opening a food channel,” and a third drops a meme targeting that one bug that took three people and half a day to fix.[/p][p]There’s playful banter about who broke what, who actually fixed it.A few folks trickle out early, while others hang back just to chat or tinker a little more. Eventually, the last messages are just quiet goodbyes and tomorrow’s to-dos.[/p][p]
Game development isn’t always dramatic breakthroughs or big reveals. Sometimes, it’s just small wins, strange bugs, shared laughs, and the quiet satisfaction of progress. Our days are full of those moments [/p][p]Thanks for following along. Until next time, stay cozy and keep solving.
Too Strong for Its Own Good: The Box That Broke Everything
[p]Game development is full of surprising moments. Some delightful, others a bit chaotic. While working on Lost Twins 2, we came across one such moment: a simple wooden box that turned out to be far stronger than intended. What was meant to be a thoughtful puzzle turned into a physics-defying shortcut, all thanks to one small oversight. [/p][p] While working on Lost Twins 2, one of our levels taught us an unexpected lesson in physics or rather, game physics.[/p][p]The setup was simple: a level featuring our twins, Ben and Abi, a heavy stone boulder, a wooden box, and a glass dome protecting the exit portal. The puzzle was meant to unfold like this:[/p]
[p]Roll the boulder onto the glass dome, breaking it open and making the portal accessible.[/p]
[p]Use the box as a platform to reach a higher ledge where a button opens the gate.[/p]
[p]Reunite both characters at the portal to complete the level. [/p]
[p]All seemed fine until one day, we decided to try something different. Instead of dropping the boulder onto the dome, we casually tossed the box on it and crack! The dome shattered. Portal exposed and level completed in seconds. [/p][p]Except... that wasn't supposed to happen.[/p][p]The glass dome was only meant to break under the weight of the boulder, a deliberate design choice to reinforce the puzzle’s logic. The box? It was supposed to be too light to cause any damage.[/p][p]After some digging, we found the culprit: in the backend, both the box and the boulder shared the same weight value. The game couldn’t tell the difference between a mighty boulder and a wooden box. Physics-wise, they were equals[/p][p][img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdudDWc52xwyfs96FOK9EHR77BlvBICMY6equyW3clg5inWqXQdmQ909fXrWDNx_fLkzz6Mzug58O2WX69_1EpN8Czuh-AyYaVmOp5bhFEkk9wAdOQJOpwMM7XJMjr_JzVO_lHvdw?key=zMDAlfhOwp7CRlVGa2jY5A"][TAG-50][img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcxGTPQfx982FO-YKq0jUtkdq82HSa8iAxGFx3YpkKUsTCjAy4c3qOlDS60weDxNAouvc5dEHkvyoi_tDz_JwE1BtFbjOmhdMEfg6APdUC9xhZGrO2uMcpIfmPD780fPPSzFuUURQ?key=zMDAlfhOwp7CRlVGa2jY5A"][img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf5HL0jL90MY7Bl900R_vOi6uA3aQZfVF-5OMkdZXM6UznVkek-p3rucyXpFJOlWcvDSnyBr4gEhZK5VUhvjwlm-Pci3kaS3lC7Qur1XF6d6BcQ8V9daQXiwmLbSIg6XQyn2XN1?key=zMDAlfhOwp7CRlVGa2jY5A"]
The developers fixed the issue by correcting the weight values, ensuring that only the boulder has enough force to break the glass dome. The box has since returned to its rightful job as a humble stepping stone.[/p][p]This tiny bug reminded us how even small data entries can flip puzzle logic upside-down or in this case, break it entirely. This little bug served as a great reminder of how even the tiniest details like object weights can dramatically shift gameplay and puzzle logic. It also gave us a good laugh and a valuable lesson in double-checking the numbers behind the scenes.[/p][p]Until the next oddball discovery, Playdew Team[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_2/"][/p][p][/p][p] [/p]
Which Twin Are You More Like?
In Lost Twins 2, solving puzzles isn’t just about moving tiles and flipping switches. It’s about how you think. And that’s where Abi and Ben come in. These twins have different approaches to every challenge, but both are essential to navigating the magical world they’ve been dropped into.
Are you a calm thinker like Abi? Or an instinct-driven explorer like Ben? Let’s find out with this light-hearted quiz! 🧩
🎯 Take the Quiz! Let’s test your puzzle personality. Pick the answer that feels most like you!
1. You're faced with a locked door and no key. Do you… A) Study your surroundings, look for patterns or hidden clues B) Try every button, switch, and weird wall crack until something clicks 2. A tricky puzzle has you stuck. You… A) Pause, breathe, maybe sketch it out or think it through carefully B) Charge in again and again — something’s got to work eventually! 3. Your ideal co-op partner is someone who… A) Talks strategy, divides tasks, and solves calmly B) Clicks buttons at random, laughs a lot, and finds wild shortcuts
4. You get a magical power to shift rooms around. Do you… A) Map the possibilities and plan the best sequence B) Flip everything at once just to see what happens
5. You and your twin are in a forest filled with puzzles. What’s your vibe? A) “Let’s take it one step at a time — we’ll figure this out.” B) “Wheee! Let’s see what this lever does!”
6. Your ideal game vibe is... A) Cozy, thoughtful, and story-rich B) Fun, fast-paced, and spontaneous
7.You and a friend are solving a puzzle together. You... A) Take the lead and talk it through B) Jump in, try things, and figure it out as you go
🧩 Results Time! Mostly A Answers: You’re definitely an Abi! Thoughtful, observant, and maybe the person in your friend group who always finds the actual solution. You love puzzles that make you feel smart and worlds you can get lost in.
Mostly B Answers: You’re a Ben at heart! Adventurous, impulsive, and full of creativity. You don’t overthink it,you go with the flow and often stumble on brilliant discoveries by just trying everything.
💬 Share Your Results! Drop your result and tag a friend who would make your perfect co-op partner! Who knows… you might just be the Abi to their Ben.
✨ Don’t forget to wishlist Lost Twins 2 if you haven’t already, and follow us for more cozy puzzle updates, developer diaries, and community fun!
Designing levels is rarely a straight path but sometimes, one level takes that to the extreme. The eighth level in our second zone became a masterclass in iteration, testing our patience, creativity, and willingness to start over (again and again). What began as a straightforward concept quickly spiraled into a cycle of endless tweaks, redesigns, and lessons learned. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how it kept evolving and what we discovered along the way.
From the very beginning, this was the most iterative level we’ve tackled so far. We must have redesigned it more times than we can count. Every time we thought the layout was final, new issues would come up during testing, leading us to make more changes and improvements. We started with a simple structure and after finalizing the design and bringing it into Unity, we thought we were done. But, surprise! Playtesting hit us with reality.
One of the early challenges was our tree glue mechanic. It sounded great on paper, but technical limitations held us back. So we swapped it out for a mushroom bounce pad, simpler, more reliable, and just as fun. Similarly, we initially planned to use a horizontal wooden stem that would break when both characters stood on it. However, we realized it might not clearly convey to players that it was breakable with two characters, so we replaced it with a broken bridge, offering better visual feedback and a more dynamic gameplay element.
We also changed the level end portal’s position multiple times. No matter where we placed it, it just didn’t feel right until the very end. And don’t get us started on that one gate, we added it to increase challenge, but it ended up trapping one player while the other could move ahead freely. Not ideal. So, that had to go through several design adjustments too.
Even smaller elements like boulder, and switches needed tweaking. We kept asking ourselves, “What if the player does this instead?” and then watched as they did exactly that and broke the flow entirely. But that’s what made the level special. Every tweak, every frustrating redo made the level tighter, more polished, and way more enjoyable. It’s the kind of chaotic creativity that makes game dev a wild ride.
So next time you play this level, remember: behind every bounce, trap, and portal lies a mountain of trial, error, and far too many “final” builds.
Through all the revisions, failed experiments, and "final" versions, we came out with a level that's not only fun to play but stronger because of the journey it took to get there.
Say hello to the heart and soul of Lost Twins 2, Abi and Ben! These inseparable siblings are more than just puzzle-solving partners. They’re two halves of a journey filled with wonder, mystery, and a little mischief.
Abi The thoughtful and curious sister. Abi has a quiet confidence and loves to observe before she acts. She often spots things Ben misses and thinks two steps ahead when navigating puzzles. 🧠 Loves solving tricky problems 🎨 Finds beauty in small details 💡 Natural leader, big heart
Ben The energetic and playful brother. Ben follows his instincts and isn’t afraid to leap before he looks. He often finds unexpected solutions and keeps the journey light with his jokes and imagination. ⚡ Acts first, thinks later 🛠️ Great at improvising 🐸 Secretly wants a pet frog
Their Journey Together, Abi and Ben must reunite with their family in a strange, ever-shifting dream world. Along the way, their bond is tested but also strengthened through clever puzzles and magical tile-shifting powers. Think of them as two approaches to life: careful thought vs curious action. You’ll need both to make it through!
🎥 Watch the Official Co-Op Trailer for Lost Twins 2
Hey everyone! 👋
We’re thrilled to finally reveal the brand new Co-Op Trailer for Lost Twins 2! 🎥💫
In this heartfelt puzzle adventure, you’ll guide Abi and Ben—two lost siblings—through shifting tile worlds, tricky puzzles, and beautifully crafted environments. And now, you can experience the journey together in our all-new local co-op mode!
🧩 Solve puzzles as a team 🌟 Explore charming handcrafted worlds 🎶 Immerse yourself in a calming, story-rich experience 👯♀️ Share the adventure with a friend!
👉 Don’t forget to wishlist Lost Twins 2 to support us and get notified when we launch Thank you for being part of this journey! 💖
Hey everyone! We’re thrilled to finally start sharing more about our upcoming game — Lost Twins 2 — with all of you. Whether you love clever puzzles or tranquil worlds, we made this game for you.
🎮 What Is Lost Twins 2? Lost Twins 2 is a charming puzzle-platformer about two separated siblings, Abi and Ben, who must reunite across a magical, mysterious world. But there’s a twist — the world itself is made of slidable tiles that shift and rotate, letting you reshape the landscape to solve puzzles and progress.
Imagine if you mixed Monument Valley’s spatial puzzles with the warmth of Studio Ghibli and the co-op feel of It Takes Two (but without combat or pressure). That’s Lost Twins 2.
✨ Who’s It For? This game is for:
🧩 Puzzle lovers who enjoy smart, elegant design
🎮 Casual or cozy players who prefer games without timers or combat
👩👦 Families looking for meaningful local co-op experiences
💭 Fans of relaxing, reflective adventures with emotional undertones
🎨 Anyone who loves beautiful visuals and handcrafted worlds
Whether you’re playing solo (you control both twins) or in 2-player local co-op, the journey is built to be accessible, relaxing, and full of discovery.
🌍 Explore a Hand-Crafted World Each zone in Lost Twins 2 has its own mood, puzzles, and secrets. From medieval castles to forest gardens and dreamy childhood fantasies-temples — you’ll never know what the next tile slide might reveal.
And guiding your journey is the legendary Fenghuang — a mythical creature from Chinese folklore, here to help reunite the twins.
❤️ Help Us by Wishlisting We’re a small indie team and every single wishlist makes a huge difference. It tells Steam that people care about this game, and helps us reach more cozy puzzle fans like you.
We’re thrilled to announce that the brand-new co-op demo is officially live on Steam! 🥳
This update brings an exciting new way to experience the world — not just solo, but side-by-side with a friend. This demo is designed to showcase the power of collaboration, puzzle-solving, and shared discovery.
🤝 Full Co-Op Gameplay Join forces with a friend and tackle levels together. Each player has unique abilities — and you'll need to combine them to progress. Communication and teamwork are key!
🧠 Co-Op Puzzles Experience brand-new puzzles that are designed specifically for two players. These challenges go beyond what’s possible in single-player and open up creative problem-solving in fun, unexpected ways.
🌄 Expanded World Preview Explore additional handcrafted environments in this demo — from lush forests to mysterious toy ruins — each brimming with interactive elements and secrets to uncover together.
Grab a friend and get ready to embark on a cooperative journey like no other.
🎮 Couch Co-Op is Here – We Need Your Feedback! 🛋️👾
Our game now features Single Player AND Couch Co-Op! With this exciting new addition, we’d love to hear what you think. Your feedback will help us fine-tune the experience for both solo and co-op players!
💬 Feedback Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezHQDbuj-EujYgcFc8etaTv2gtM3PSxFQ_OjII2X7xyaS01Q/viewform?usp=header
