A New Direction for Stealth Gaming
Jackbox Games, widely recognized for their popular party game collections, is branching out into third-party publishing. Their debut project in this new venture is My Arms Are Longer Now, an innovative stealth-comedy title developed by the studio Toot Games. Founded by creators Matthew Jackson and Millie Holten—known for their work on Trope RPG and Long Head—the studio is bringing a fresh perspective to the stealth genre.
Wiggly Mechanics Meet Heist Gameplay
During a recent demo at PAX Australia, the game stood out for its distinctive blend of humor and tension. Unlike traditional stealth games that focus purely on shadows and silence, this title introduces a physics-based twist. Players must navigate environments using oddly flexible, “wiggly” limbs to commit petty crimes, such as swiping a bike from under someone's nose.
The comedy is intrinsic to the movement and the absurdity of the situations. However, the game remains a legitimate stealth experience. Players must evade a persistent detective and watchful NPCs who are quick to notice suspicious activity. As one observer noted, the game is
«funny from the first second you twist your upsettingly wiggly arm across the floor of a train carriage then get caught trying to steal someone's bike right in front of them.»
Revitalizing a Classic Genre
Stealth games have struggled to evolve since the genre's peak in the 1990s with titles like Thief: The Dark Project. Modern iterations often focus on adding multiplayer or combat-heavy mechanics, which can dilute the core tension of infiltration. My Arms Are Longer Now looks to break this cycle by prioritizing creative, mechanics-driven thievery over generic action tropes.
With its unique approach to the genre, the game is shaping up to be a refreshing addition to the gaming landscape. My Arms Are Longer Now is scheduled for release later this year, and players can currently add the title to their wishlists on Steam.