Gris

Gris is a puzzle-platform adventure video game developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. It was released for macOS and Windows in 2018 and has since been ported to other platforms, including Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. The game is single-player and emphasizes a theatrical, nonverbal storytelling approach.

The player guides Gris, a young girl, through a surreal world that begins in sorrow and gradually regains color as she progresses. Gameplay focuses on exploration and environmental puzzles, with Gris gaining new abilities that alter movement and interaction with the environment. These mechanics unlock access to new areas and puzzle solutions, reinforcing the game’s themes through interactive means rather than dialogue.

Aesthetically, Gris is widely praised for its painterly, watercolor-inspired visuals, graceful animation, and a minimalistic user interface. The audiovisual presentation, including an ambient score, reinforces the mood and emotional tone of the journey. The game’s design choices support its central themes without heavy exposition.

Themes and narrative focus on grief, resilience, and personal growth. The story unfolds largely without words, relying on visual storytelling and the player’s experience to convey emotional meaning. Critics and players have highlighted Gris for its artistic ambition, cohesive atmosphere, and how its gameplay and art direction intertwine to express complex emotions.

Gris has been described as a standout example of how video games can convey emotion and narrative through art direction and gameplay mechanics. It has received multiple awards and nominations within the indie and art game communities and is frequently cited in discussions of contemporary expressive games.