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Tue, 06 Oct 2026

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 Braid-creator Jonathan Blow on making the 'biggest puzzle game ever'

Order of the Sinking Star is due out on Thursday and has roughly 1,500 puzzles for players to try
Jonathan Blow, creator of Braid and The Witness, has spent ten years developing his new game, Order of the Sinking Star. This massive puzzle game contains approximately 1,500 puzzles that could take around 500 hours to complete. Despite its complexity, Blow's goal was to create a unique experience that showcases the potential of game design. Blow credits the game's development to his willingness to experiment and take risks, rather than prioritizing practicality or commercial viability. He has used a combination of four pre-existing puzzle games' mechanics to create new and challenging puzzles. The game is built on Blow's own programming language, Jai, and custom engine, allowing him to tailor the experience specifically to his vision. Blow also expresses skepticism towards AI in game development, citing concerns about its impact on the industry's creativity and diversity of thought. He believes that relying too heavily on AI could lead to a shortage of skilled programmers who can create innovative experiences. The release of Order of the Sinking Star marks a significant milestone for Blow, who has been known for his uncompromising approach to game development. His dedication to his craft has led to the creation of what he considers "the biggest puzzle game ever made."