Celebrated boutique design studio Lost In Cult is thrilled to announce Animal Well: Design Works, a premium art and design book created in close collaboration with solo developer Billy Basso, executive producer Dan Adelman, and publisher Bigmode.
Set to ship in Summer 2026, this officially licensed volume offers a deep dive into the intricate world of Animal Well – the atmospheric indie sensation that captivated players with its layered secrets, emergent puzzles, and haunting pixel art. This comprehensive chronicle of a one-of-a-kind development journey tracks and celebrates Animal Well‘s progress over an unforgettable seven-year stretch.
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“Animal Well balances beauty and ingenuity, all delivered with a quiet brilliance,” said Shaun Hughes of Lost In Cult. “As its fans will tell you, every hidden path and ambient hum tells a story – and with Design Works, we set out to preserve that creative spirit in a lovingly crafted volume that honours both the game and the people behind it.”
What does Animal Well: Design Works cover?
As with all entries in Lost In Cult’s acclaimed Design Works series, this book goes beyond concept art to explore the story behind the delivery. Animal Well: Design Works presents unseen prototypes, behind-the-scenes development insights, and conversations with the creative team, offering fans a glimpse into the technical artistry and emotional weight behind this meditative, Metroidvania-inspired masterpiece.
From Drew Wise’s pixel-by-pixel illustrations to interviews with Billy Basso, Dan Adelman, Leah Gastrow, and Jason Gastrow (videogamedunkey), Design Works celebrates the patience and passion that made Animal Well an instant classic.
Pre-orders for both the Standard and Deluxe Editions of Animal Well: Design Works opened on May 8th at 6 pm BST at www.lostincult.co.uk/animalwell, and will be available for a limited period, closing on July 1st at 6 pm BST.
More about the Deluxe Edition Version
For the first 48 hours, fans who purchase the Deluxe Edition can receive a bookplate signed by Billy Basso. Order by 6pm BST on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, to secure your signed copy of Animal Well: Design Works Deluxe Edition.
The Deluxe Edition is available exclusively during the pre-order window and will not return, making it a true collector’s item for fans of the game. It includes:
- A beautiful hardcover with glow-in-the-dark details.
- A rainbow holographic slipcase.
- A premium presentation box.
- An “infinite looping” cassette.
- A set of four glow-in-the-dark pin badges in a Famicom-style box.
- A “Save Your Progress” rainbow foil bookmark.
- Three A4 art prints by Drew Wise, Austin James, and madebyabra.
“Lost in Cult has assembled a beautiful collection and the definitive record of Animal Well’s development,” said Billy Basso. “This is something I would have wanted for any game I’ve ever loved.”
In addition to Animal Well: Design Works, Lost In Cult is releasing the Animal Well OST on vinyl for the very first time. Fans will be able to venture into the well and enjoy the mystery and intrigue of Animal Well’s atmospheric, ambient soundtrack. The beautiful 1LP, composed by Billy Basso, will feature the complete soundtrack, as well as unreleased tracks never-before-heard and some extended ambient music.
About Lost In Cult
Lost In Cult is a boutique design studio devoted to celebrating gaming culture and preservation through high-quality publications and collectibles. Their passion for storytelling and artistry shines in every project, creating lasting tributes to iconic gaming franchises.
