Big Walk devs talk the Australian bush and friendslop: ‘I’d prefer the second word wasn’t slop’
Big Walk, the co-op online puzzle adventure from House House, has become the latest game to receive the “friendslop” label—a term describing games designed primarily for groups of friends to play together. The open-world game, which draws inspiration from an Australian national park, joins recent titles like Peak, RV There Yet?, R.E.P.O., and Content Warning in a growing category of socially-focused gaming experiences.
The term “friendslop” has gained traction as a way to categorize games that prioritize social connection and group play over traditional competitive or narrative-driven mechanics. In a Reddit AMA, House House developer Nico Disseldorp acknowledged the term’s usefulness in helping players identify games where friends are “the important part,” suggesting the developer recognizes its value as a descriptor.
However, Disseldorp expressed reservations about the less flattering “slop” portion of the coinage, indicating reluctance toward the pejorative undertone the word carries. The comment reflects ongoing industry debate about terminology—whether such labels help consumers find experiences tailored to their preferences or inadvertently diminish games by framing them as disposable content.
Big Walk’s inclusion in this category highlights how game design continues to evolve beyond traditional mechanics, with developers increasingly crafting experiences optimized for friend groups seeking low-pressure, cooperative gameplay in shared worlds.