Monument Valley

Monument Valley

Developed by: Ustwo Games

Released: 2014 (iOS) / 2022 (Panoramic Edition)

Platform: PC

Lead Princess Ida through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects to reach her end goal in a place called Monument Valley.

Monument Valley is an indie puzzle game originally released for iOS and Android systems in 2014. Alongside two expansions, the game received a sequel in 2017. The original game has since been re-released in a Panoramic Edition for PC and features in our Art of Play exhibition.

Impossible Puzzles and Optical Illusions

In a tale of introspection and forgiveness, guide Princess Ida safely through worlds of impossible architecture and hypnotising geometric mazes.

Therefore, with a unique emphasis on beautiful design and sophisticated puzzle gameplay, Monument Valley was a revolution for mobile gaming. It’s visual art style has been heavily influenced by Japanese prints and minimalist sculpture. Significantly, it’s heaviest influence is the art work of M.C. Escher.

In 2022, Ustwo Games re-released Monument Valley and Monument Valley II on PC. This change allows the player to view the game’s intricate geometric puzzles and colourful landscapes in widescreen, and not the smaller screens of a smartphone.

Interesting Facts

• Architecture inspiration was drawn from places such as: Spain, Russia, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. For example, buildings were inspired by palaces, temples, churches and mosques in these regions.
• MC Escher was a direct influence on the game. However, it wasn’t just his ‘impossible geometry’ that was used, rather one specific artwork – Ascending and Descending (1960) – and how it shows the building in a void. 
• Interestingly, due to the geometric restraints that the game took, it meant that impossible structures were actually easier to connect than linear ones. 

On the Road

Alongside featuring in our Art of Play exhibition, Monument Valley recently featured in our Level Up Pop-Up exhibitions. The iPad version of the game was playable for visitors while artwork from the game was on display.

The purpose of the pop up exhibitions was to engage communities from across the region and develop engaging conversations that aim to shape the future of the museum.

Monument Valley generated some brilliant interactions. Participants discussed the provocation: how does art and culture influence games and gaming (and vice versa). Moreover, topics discussed will help inform future curation within the Museum.