Someone wants to kill grandma. In Apple Crumble, a Knives Out-inspired mystery game from Happy Broccoli Games, each family member is suspicious: your stressed mum, your 'midlife crisis uncle,' and a stranger in your bedroom.
Gameplay and Storytelling
Unlike the studio's previous game, Duck Detective, where players solve crimes in a small office, Apple Crumble focuses on snooping through a family home. 'I love the idea of having a walking sim where you can really open up every drawer, every door, and see what’s behind there,' says founder and creative director Annika Maar. As you learn about family grievances, the mystery unfolds.
A 'Sad Grandma' Game
After Duck Detective, the team wanted to make a 'sad grandma' game. Apple Crumble begins comedically but shifts to a more serious, sad tone. 'I felt very emotionally attached to the death of my grandma. There’s some baggage there and I thought it would be fun to explore that,' says Maar.
Players pick up the plot by digging through items. The storytelling extends into made-up fiction throughout the house, such as a film script by the midlife crisis uncle who believes it will attract investors. 'Just so many small details that I’m hoping will make the world feel very believable,' adds Maar.
Art Style and Development
The art style was inspired by concept art for Puss in Boots, using paint splatters that blend together for a natural look. 'From a distance it’s not immediately apparent, but when you look, you’re like, ‘Wow, there are so many different colours in this.’ Your eyes kind of blend it together and it just makes it feel more natural,' says Maar. The technique was more work than expected but worth it.
Maar is finishing the script and will soon record voice actors, booking them together to riff off each other for arguments. Apple Crumble is in development for PC, with release planned for later in 2026.
