Apple Crumble, a new mystery game from Happy Broccoli Games, puts players in the middle of a family whodunnit as someone wants to kill grandma. Inspired by Knives Out, the game lets you snoop through your family home, uncovering secrets and motives.
Gameplay and Story
Unlike the studio's previous game, Duck Detective, where players solved crimes in a small office, Apple Crumble is largely a walking simulator set in a family home. “I love the idea of having a walking sim where you can really open up every drawer, every door, and see what’s behind there,” says founder and creative director Annika Maar. As you learn about the grievances and troubles of family members, the mystery slowly unwinds.
A 'Sad Grandma' Game
After Duck Detective, the team wanted to make a “sad grandma” game, which may surprise fans of the studio's humorous previous work. Apple Crumble begins comedically but shifts to a more serious and sad tone. “I felt very emotionally attached to the death of my grandma. There’s some baggage there and I thought it would be fun to explore that,” says Maar.
Hidden Details and Art Style
The storytelling extends into made-up fiction placed throughout the house, such as a film script written by the “midlife crisis uncle.” The art style was inspired by concept art for Puss in Boots, using paint splatters that blend to create a natural, less clinical look. “It ended up being a lot more work than I thought it would be, but I think it was worth it,” says Maar.
Development and Release
Maar is finishing the script and will soon record voice actors, booking them together to riff off each other. Apple Crumble is in development for PC, with a release planned for later in 2026.
