Written by Kianna Best on Jun 9, 2025. Posted in General Interest

Out of Words: Epic Games' Clay-Built Love Letter to Connection

When Epic Games Publishing revealed Out of Words at Summer Game Fest 2025, the audience was not  dazzled by hyper-realistic graphics or cinematic explosions. Instead, they were captivated by something more unusual and deeply human, a stop-motion world handcrafted from clay, fabric, and wood. It felt more like a living storybook than a video game.

Co-developed by the Danish studios Kong Orange and Wired Fly, Out of Words is a two-player cooperative adventure that follows Kurt and Karla, two young characters who find themselves in a surreal world called Vokabulantis. After losing the ability to speak, literally, as their mouths vanish, the pair must rely on one another to navigate a land shaped by memory, language, and emotion. There is no text, no voice acting, and no traditional dialogue. Instead, players communicate through movement, gesture, and timing. Every action becomes a form of expression.

What sets this game apart is its commitment to physical artistry. Everything in Out of Words starts in the real world. Artists build the characters and environments by hand, using clay, wood, and textiles to create miniature sets. These physical models are then captured using photogrammetry, a technique that involves photographing each object from multiple angles to reconstruct it digitally in three dimensions. This process brings authentic texture and depth to the game’s visuals, preserving every fingerprint, brushstroke, and fibre.

Once digitised, the models are imported into Unreal Engine, where developers animate, rig, and integrate them into a fully interactive game world. While some sequences are animated traditionally, others incorporate motion capture to add fluidity and realism. The final result is a seamless blend of analogue beauty and digital design. The game feels tactile and grounded, but it plays with the responsiveness expected from a modern platformer.

Building a game like this is no small feat. The production pipeline is long and meticulous. Characters must be sculpted, sets must be constructed, and every physical component has to be carefully lit and photographed. Each shot requires creative problem-solving to bridge the gap between handcrafted materials and interactive design. Even after the assets are brought into the engine, developers face the challenge of preserving the charm of the physical models while ensuring smooth game-play mechanics.

The emotional resonance of Out of Words is no accident. Danish poet and conceptual artist Morten Søndergaard helped shape the story’s narrative core. His influence is evident in the game’s thematic focus on language, intimacy, and connection. The silence that permeates the game is not just atmospheric, it is central to the story’s meaning. Players must learn to read each other’s movements and intentions, forming a bond through action rather than words.

In many ways, Out of Words feels like a spiritual cousin to It Takes Two, another beloved co-op title that emphasises collaboration and storytelling. However, where It Takes Two is loud, fast, and filled with comedic energy, Out of Words is gentle, introspective, and poetic. It invites players to slow down, pay attention, and connect in a different way.

The game does not yet have an official release date, although the Epic Games Store lists it as "Coming Soon." Since its reveal, excitement has been building steadily, driven by trailers and behind-the-scenes videos that showcase the artistry involved. Fans are drawn to its distinct style, emotional depth, and the sheer care that went into every frame.

Images courtesy of Epic Games