Lost In Cult has announced Animal Well: Design Works, a premium art and design book celebrating the quiet brilliance of one of 2024’s most critically acclaimed indie games. Created in collaboration with solo developer Billy Basso, executive producer Dan Adelman, and publisher Bigmode, the book is now available to pre-order from today (8th May 2025) via lostincult.co.uk/animalwell, with shipping expected in Summer 2026.
Much more than a standard art book, Design Works offers an in-depth exploration of Animal Well’s atmospheric world, touching on the game’s design, narrative philosophy, and intricate pixel craftsmanship. As the latest entry in Lost In Cult’s acclaimed Design Works series, it features never-before-seen concept art, prototype sketches, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into a game that captured the hearts of players with its mysterious, layered Metroidvania-inspired structure.
A celebration of atmosphere, discovery, and design
From pixel-perfect environments to ambient audio cues, every aspect of Animal Well speaks volumes without saying a word. This book honours that spirit with thoughtful curation and stunning production values. Highlights include:
- Interviews with Billy Basso, Dan Adelman, Leah Gastrow, and Jason Gastrow (videogamedunkey)
- Exclusive illustrations by Drew Wise, Austin James, and madebyabra
- A full development retrospective charting the game’s seven-year journey
“This is something I would have wanted for any game I’ve ever loved,” said Basso. “Lost In Cult has assembled a beautiful collection and the definitive record of Animal Well’s development.”
Standard and Deluxe Editions – A collector’s dream
Both Standard and Deluxe Editions are available to pre-order until 1st July 2025 at 6pm BST. Fans who order the Deluxe Edition within the first 48 hours (by 6pm BST, 10th May) will also receive a bookplate signed by Billy Basso.
The Deluxe Edition, which will not be reprinted, includes:
- Glow-in-the-dark hardcover
- Rainbow holographic slipcase
- Premium presentation box
- “Infinite looping” cassette
- Four glow-in-the-dark enamel pins in a Famicom-style box
- “Save Your Progress” foil bookmark
- Three A4 art prints
A vinyl release for the Animal Well soundtrack
In addition to the book, Lost In Cult is also releasing the Animal Well OST on vinyl for the very first time. This 1LP edition, composed by Billy Basso, includes the full soundtrack, unreleased tracks, and extended ambient compositions for fans to fully immerse themselves in the haunting audio of the well.
Whether you’re an art book enthusiast, a collector, or a die-hard Animal Well fan, Design Works is shaping up to be an essential piece of gaming history, documenting a title that quietly became one of the most unique experiences in the indie space.
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