A new narrative-driven indie experience is set to explore the quiet but powerful moments of everyday life. In Their Shoes, an introspective slice-of-life interactive story from Milan-based developer We Are Muesli, will launch on Steam for PC and Mac on March 20, 2026.
Alongside the announcement, the studio released a new gameplay video showcasing the game’s intimate storytelling approach. Players eager to try the experience early can jump into a demo available during Steam Next Fest, which features five playable narrative “Moments” from the full game.
A Narrative Game Set in Contemporary Milan
In Their Shoes invites players to experience life through the perspectives of seven interconnected characters living in modern-day Milan.
The game unfolds across 49 short interactive scenes called “Moments.” Each moment lasts around five minutes and focuses on small but meaningful events that shape relationships, identity, and personal growth.
From casual encounters to emotionally charged conversations, players step into situations such as:
- Reconnecting with an old friend
- Facing uncertainty about a career
- Sharing quiet reflections at a bar
- Participating in a city protest
These personal experiences combine to create a narrative tapestry that reflects the complexity of urban life.
A Fragmented Diary of Seven Lives
One of the most distinctive features of In Their Shoes is its fragmented storytelling structure.
Each character has 26 biographical keywords that players can unlock throughout the experience. As these keywords accumulate, they reveal deeper layers of internal monologue, offering new insight into each protagonist’s thoughts and motivations.
Gradually, players begin to uncover how the characters’ stories intersect. The result is a fragmented diary of modern Milan, where seemingly unrelated moments reveal unexpected narrative connections.
Reconstructing the Timeline
Beyond experiencing individual moments, players are also challenged to piece together the broader narrative.
All 49 Moments must eventually be rearranged in chronological order, using contextual clues hidden within dialogue and character interactions. This mechanic transforms the experience into a narrative puzzle, encouraging players to revisit scenes and interpret them from new perspectives.
Multiple story paths and alternative outcomes further enhance replayability, allowing players to uncover details they may have missed the first time.
Real-Time Choices Raise Emotional Stakes
While most scenes unfold at a relaxed pace, some key moments occur in real time, requiring players to make quick decisions that can alter the outcome of interactions.
These sequences heighten emotional tension in situations such as:
- Workplace conflicts
- Difficult conversations
- Last-minute goodbyes at a train platform
These time-sensitive choices help capture the unpredictability of real-life decisions.
An Intimate Audiovisual Style
Rather than relying on spectacle, In Their Shoes focuses on human-scale storytelling and atmospheric presentation.
The game features subtle visual design that highlights everyday environments across Milan. Accompanying the narrative is a dynamic lo-fi soundtrack composed by Nicolò Sala, known for his work on Wheels of Aurelia and Saturnalia.
As players progress, new tracks, ambient sounds, and acoustic moods unlock, reinforcing the emotional tone of each moment.
According to game directors Claudia Molinari and Matteo Pozzi, the goal was to create a game about empathy and presence.
They describe the experience as spending a few minutes inside another person’s thoughts—moments that may seem ordinary but carry deeper meaning.
Early Recognition in the Indie Scene
Even before its release, In Their Shoes has gained attention within the European indie game community.
The project has received several notable recognitions, including:
- Support from Creative Europe – MEDIA (2023)
- Nomination at A MAZE. Festival 2025 in Berlin
- Official selection at AdventureX 2025 in London
These acknowledgments highlight the game’s artistic ambition and narrative focus.
In Their Shoes Release Details
In Their Shoes will launch on March 20, 2026, offering players a reflective narrative experience centered on empathy and personal perspective.
Release Details
- Release Date: March 20, 2026
- Platform: Steam (PC and Mac)
- Price: $12.99 / €11.99 / £10.99
- Demo: Available now during Steam Next Fest
The game will also feature a limited-time launch discount when it becomes available.
