The latest trend gaining momentum in the video game industry is known as “friendslop,” which, despite its potentially negative connotation, has become immensely popular. Games like Peak, RV There Yet?, and Meccha Chameleon have witnessed significant sales due to their easy-to-understand gameplay, affordable pricing, and the chaotic fun of multiplayer interactions.
Patrick Thornley from Langley, B.C., who regularly engages in friendslop games with friends nationwide, describes the essence of these games as cooperative endeavors where players tackle seemingly mundane tasks, adding a twist of complexity fueled by the players’ whimsical antics.
A recent release, Big Walk, follows the friendslop formula but sets itself apart by blending emergent disorder with a meticulously designed world reminiscent of iconic titles like Myst and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game stands out as a strong contender for game of the year, emphasizing the dynamics of friendship and shared exploration within a video game setting.
The term “friendslop” was coined by a user known as @wooosaaaahhhhh in 2025, initially in reference to Lethal Company, a multiplayer horror game from 2023 focused on cooperative gameplay. The concept of “friendfarming,” another term associated with friendslop, denotes the act of either accumulating numerous friends or simply spending quality time with existing ones.
Typically, friendslop games exhibit certain characteristics, such as being relatively low- to mid-budget productions with simplistic visuals compared to high-end titles like Call of Duty. Their gameplay revolves around straightforward objectives, like scaling a mountain in Peak or navigating an RV through the wilderness in RV There Yet?.
Many friendslop games incorporate proximity chat, where the volume of voice communication diminishes as players move farther apart, necessitating physical closeness or alternative communication devices for effective coordination. This unique feature adds to the camaraderie and lighthearted chaos that defines the friendslop gaming experience.
While success is not guaranteed for every friendslop game, the genre has witnessed viral hits in recent years. For example, Peak by Aggro Crab has sold over 10 million copies since its launch in June 2025, demonstrating the appeal and market demand for such engaging multiplayer experiences.
In the realm of friendslop games, Big Walk from Melbourne-based House House stands out, offering a whimsical outdoor adventure where groups of players solve puzzles collaboratively in a charmingly designed landscape inspired by the Australian outback. The game encourages teamwork and inventive problem-solving, creating a delightful and engaging experience for players.
Unlike procedurally generated games, Big Walk provides a meticulously crafted world with handcrafted environments and puzzles, enhancing the sense of discovery and cooperation among players. The game’s focus on communication, teamwork, and exploration sets it apart as a standout title in the friendslop genre, promising players a unique and memorable gaming experience.
With its innovative gameplay mechanics and emphasis on collaborative play, Big Walk offers players a refreshing and immersive gaming experience that celebrates the joys of friendship and shared discovery.