Desolus Presskit

Factsheet

Developer:
Mark J. Mayers
Based in Seattle, WA

Publisher:
The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild
Based in Seattle, WA

Press Contact:
mayers@desolus.com

Social Media:
Bluesky: @Desolus
Twitter: @DesolusDev
Facebook: /desolusthegame

Release date:
TBD

Platforms:
Steam
TBD

Website:
qag.io/desolus

Description

Explore a city of Gothic architecture torn between past and future in Desolus, a first person puzzle game. Solve Escher-like puzzles through the use of black holes, traveling back and forth through time to make architecture whole again. Prevent a cataclysm which fractures reality, and save the city.

Desolus is created by Mark J. Mayers, produced by Ty Taylor, features an original soundtrack by Kyle Landry, and audio by James Primate. Desolus is published by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild.

Features

Explore a city of Gothic architecture torn between past and future in Desolus, a first person puzzle game.
An enigmatic cataclysm has fractured reality, opening portals which lead to other times. Explore the past and future versions of an expansive city.
Solve Escher-like puzzles through the use of black holes, traveling back and forth through time to make architecture whole again.
Challenge your spatial thinking by navigating impossible architecture, as reality distorts and time becomes increasingly unstable.
Activate holograms to move massive portals between floors of crumbled cathedrals, allowing you to traverse structures which only partially exist in one time.
Partner with the city's guardian to prevent a cataclysm which threatens to merge past and future. Save the City of Desolus from annihilation.
Listen to an atmospheric original piano soundtrack created by Kyle Landry.

History

Mark Mayers is the primary developer of Desolus, responsible for art, programming, and design of the game.

Mark has a wealth of experience in the games industry, having shipped several award winning titles such as Outer Wilds, and Manifold Garden.

Desolus began as a series of prototypes from 2015 to 2018, while Mark also worked at MIT researching artificial intelligence.

In 2015 Mark partnered with the pianist Kyle Landry to create the soundtrack for Desolus. Kyle is renowned for his virtuosity as a pianist, and hosts popular YouTube and Twitch channels. Kyle works collaboratively with Mark to create the original soundtrack for Desolus, which is reminiscent of classical composers.

In early 2019, Mark left Boston to pursue development of Desolus full time while living in Seattle.

Mark is an avid member of the independent game communities in Boston and Seattle. He has shown the game at festivals nationwide, including an exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Desolus is currently in development. Press can contact Mark to request a build.

Videos & Images

Announcement Trailer YouTube

Download all media as .zip (34MB)

Please inquire regarding additional images and other press related media here!

Awards & Recognition

"Nominated, Innovation in Art and Narrative" - Boston Festival of Indie Games, 2018
"Nominated, Best Art & Best Soundtrack" - MAGFest, 2018

"Official Selection" - Cerebral Puzzle Showcase, 2025
"Official Selection, Indie Playground" - DreamHack Dallas, 2025
"Official Selection, SAAM Arcade" - Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2018
"Official Selection, The MIX" - PAX West, GDC, 2018, 2017
"Official Selection, Digital Game Showcase" - Boston Festival of Indie Games, 2018, 2016, 2015
"Official Selection, Indie Video Game Showcase" - MAGFest, 2018, 2016
"Official Selection, Indie MEGABOOTH" - PAX East, 2016

Selected Quotes

"The surreal visual elements combined with the classical soundtrack provided by Kyle Landry transport Desolus into a sort of dreamscape. The production value is astounding for an Indie team of one, and it’s clear Mark Mayers has been pouring his heart and soul into this project since he began it in 2014."
-Seven DeBord, Indie Hangover
"The quality of work Mark continues to pump out at such a breakneck speed is remarkable."
-Jacob Wood, Indie Hangover
"It’s a ridiculously beautiful game."
-James Cunningham, HardcoreGamer
"A clever and beautiful game that plays with FPS expectations and seeks to deliver something a great deal more cerebral."
- Curation Team, Boston Festival of Indie Games