Order of the Sinking Star

The upcoming puzzle game Order of the Sinking Star, developed by Thekla Inc. and led by Jonathan Blow, has become a focal point for industry debates regarding creator attribution and the separation of art from the artist. The game is built upon four distinct puzzle titles licensed from independent designers, including Alan Hazelden, Jonah Ostroff, and Sean Barrett. While these source developers initially granted permission for their work to be featured, they have since publicly distanced themselves from Blow due to his controversial political statements and social media commentary.

The central tension involves the industry’s tendency to promote games through a singular "auteur" figure, often overshadowing the contributions of the original designers and the broader development team. Early versions of the game featured in-game credits for the source creators, such as a sign labeling Hazelden as an "instigator." However, these explicit references were removed in subsequent builds, including the public PC demo, leading to community requests for clearer attribution. While the studio has since updated its website to include an FAQ acknowledging the source games and their creators, the handling of in-game credits remains a point of contention.

The analysis draws on hands-on experience with development builds of the game, interviews with Blow, and public statements from the affected designers. The situation highlights a broader industry struggle with the ethics of collaboration and the visibility of secondary contributors. By examining the evolution of the game’s credits and the public discourse surrounding its lead creator, the narrative underscores the complexities of modern game development, where collaborative efforts are frequently marketed under the banner of a single, often polarizing, public figure.