Baby Steps, a comedy game from Bennett Foddy and Gabe Cuzzillo, has taken the gaming world by storm with its lovable but pathetic protagonist, Nate. The game follows Nate as he embarks on a disastrous hiking trip, navigating through treacherous terrain while struggling to overcome his own ineptitude.
At first glance, Baby Steps appears to be a cruel joke about watching someone suffer, but beneath its mocking exterior lies a rich exploration of masculinity and vulnerability. Nate's journey is a humorous yet poignant commentary on the societal expectations placed upon men, particularly those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
One of the most striking aspects of Baby Steps is its use of infantilizing imagery, which serves as a clever commentary on the fragility of adult masculinity. The game's protagonist, Nate, is depicted as a large, bearded man-child, surrounded by rivers of breast milk and massive sandcastle toys. This aesthetic is both absurd and endearing, capturing the essence of Nate's vulnerable yet endearing personality.
Throughout the game, Foddy and Cuzzillo have woven in themes of toxic masculinity, with Nate embodying a self-centered, prideful attitude that often puts him at odds with those around him. However, as players progress through the game, they come to realize that Nate's struggles are not just about his own ineptitude but also about his need for acceptance and help.
The game's use of humor and satire is also noteworthy, particularly in its portrayal of men struggling with masculinity. The player is often rewarded with absurd cutscenes featuring Nate indulging in excessive fruit consumption, which serves as a satirical commentary on the societal pressure to be masculine.
Ultimately, Baby Steps' true joke lies not in mocking Nate's struggles but in making players laugh at their own vulnerability and need for help. The game's final scene, where Nate learns to ask for assistance from his friend Mike, is both humorous and heartwarming, serving as a poignant reminder that it's okay to admit when we're struggling.
Gabe Cuzzillo's experience developing Baby Steps was marked by frustration and self-doubt, but he has since come to appreciate the game's impact. "I feel like I'm re-realising all the things the game is about... Nate is a microcosm of the whole game, where it's both a piss-take and sincere at the same time," he says.
Baby Steps is a game that defies easy categorization, blending humor, satire, and vulnerability to create something truly unique. By making players laugh at their own ineptitude and struggles, Baby Steps has become a beloved classic among gamers, reminding us that even in the most absurd and ridiculous moments, we can find a deeper meaning and connection with others.
At first glance, Baby Steps appears to be a cruel joke about watching someone suffer, but beneath its mocking exterior lies a rich exploration of masculinity and vulnerability. Nate's journey is a humorous yet poignant commentary on the societal expectations placed upon men, particularly those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy.
One of the most striking aspects of Baby Steps is its use of infantilizing imagery, which serves as a clever commentary on the fragility of adult masculinity. The game's protagonist, Nate, is depicted as a large, bearded man-child, surrounded by rivers of breast milk and massive sandcastle toys. This aesthetic is both absurd and endearing, capturing the essence of Nate's vulnerable yet endearing personality.
Throughout the game, Foddy and Cuzzillo have woven in themes of toxic masculinity, with Nate embodying a self-centered, prideful attitude that often puts him at odds with those around him. However, as players progress through the game, they come to realize that Nate's struggles are not just about his own ineptitude but also about his need for acceptance and help.
The game's use of humor and satire is also noteworthy, particularly in its portrayal of men struggling with masculinity. The player is often rewarded with absurd cutscenes featuring Nate indulging in excessive fruit consumption, which serves as a satirical commentary on the societal pressure to be masculine.
Ultimately, Baby Steps' true joke lies not in mocking Nate's struggles but in making players laugh at their own vulnerability and need for help. The game's final scene, where Nate learns to ask for assistance from his friend Mike, is both humorous and heartwarming, serving as a poignant reminder that it's okay to admit when we're struggling.
Gabe Cuzzillo's experience developing Baby Steps was marked by frustration and self-doubt, but he has since come to appreciate the game's impact. "I feel like I'm re-realising all the things the game is about... Nate is a microcosm of the whole game, where it's both a piss-take and sincere at the same time," he says.
Baby Steps is a game that defies easy categorization, blending humor, satire, and vulnerability to create something truly unique. By making players laugh at their own ineptitude and struggles, Baby Steps has become a beloved classic among gamers, reminding us that even in the most absurd and ridiculous moments, we can find a deeper meaning and connection with others.
I gotta ask, how did they get away with making fun of a guy's inadequacies in a game? Like, isn't it just perpetuating some toxic stereotypes about men struggling with masculinity? 
Also, what's up with the whole infantilizing imagery thing? Is that really meant to be commentary on societal expectations or is it just a weird artistic choice? 
... I mean, who hasn't felt like nate at some point, right? the way they tackle toxic masculinity is def on point too 
, but what really gets me is how it pokes fun at our own insecurities in a way that's actually kinda funny 
. and let's be real, gabe cuzzillo's journey was probably a wild ride... I mean, who else can say they went from "frustrated" to "appreciative" of their game 
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baby steps is like the anti-hero of games, it's so underrated 
and the fact that gabe cuzzillo was struggling with his own self-doubt while making this game makes it even more impressive 
like what is wrong with Nate? He's so clumsy and pathetic it's hilarious but at the same time I feel bad for him 
I was laughing so hard but also rooting for him to get through that hike. The graphics are kinda weird though who thought rivers of breast milk were a good idea? 
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. Maybe it's just me, but sometimes you need someone to laugh at yourself with 
The cutscenes are so ridiculous but also kind of relatable, you know? We've all been there, eating too much fruit and thinking we're being cool 
. Have you guys played the game? What did you think of it?
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. It's just a cute game about a guy who's kinda stupid and learns to ask for help... big deal! 
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. It's like, we're all Nate, struggling with our own stuff, just in different ways. The game's message is really important: it's okay to ask for help and not be a hero all the time 
The way Nate is portrayed as a lovable but clumsy dude is so relatable! And I think what's really clever about the game is that it doesn't just mock Nate, but also makes you confront your own vulnerabilities. 
Plus, that final scene where Nate asks for help from his friend Mike was just the best 
. I felt like Nate's character is kinda relatable, you know? We've all been there where we feel like we just can't do anything right 
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. I mean, have you seen the cutscenes with Nate eating too much fruit? 
. It's like, we need more games that talk about these real issues, rather than just being shallow or violent 
. Nate's character is so relatable it hurts lol. I love how the game uses humor and satire to make you laugh but also feel a little cringey about your own flaws 
. and yeah, toxic masculinity is a big theme in the game, but its not like ur supposed 2 feel good 4 Nate's constant bickering w/ his friends 
. At first, it just seems like a funny game about a dude who's super bad at hiking, but then you realize it's actually about guys trying to be tough all the time, you know? Like, how Nate struggles with being a big, strong guy who can't even take care of himself is relatable 
? But for real though, its not just a joke, its about how we're all tryna be these tough guys but really we're just insecure 
. And that final scene where he asks for help from Mike? 
My heart melted! It's like, we're all nate sometimes 
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