Heave Ho 2: A Bold Leap into New Cooperative Challenges

The development team at Le Cartel Studio recently explained their reasons for moving forward with the sequel to their popular cooperative platformer. They believe that having experienced the journey of the first game and receiving an abundance of feedback over the years, now is an ideal moment to explore ideas that extend beyond simple level navigation.

This summer, gamers around the globe will recognize Heave Ho 2 for offering fresh gameplay experiences that depart from the straightforward approach of its predecessor. Created by Le Cartel Studio and brought to players by Devolver Digital, the sequel is set to challenge teams—whether they are playing together in the same room or online—to face more intricate obstacles.

During the New Game Plus event at London Games Fest, the studio’s co-founder and creative director, Fred Coispeau, shared insights into the new direction of the project. He mentioned that the seven-year gap since the first release, paired with the widespread influence of the pandemic, provided the necessary time to reflect and expand on their initial formula. Initially focused solely on Traveling from point A to point B by way of… simple platforming, the upcoming installment now embraces a richer context. The team began considering settings such as:

• Everyday household environments like a kitchen
• Vast outer space scenarios
• Situations where movement becomes deliberately restricted

Coispeau also addressed the rise in popularity of cooperative games. The social interactions fostered by titles like the original platformer—as well as other co-op experiences seen during the pandemic—have underscored the appeal of these games. He noted that an increasing number of families and friends are drawn to multiplayer experiences that encourage collaboration, and that the engaging, often humorous interactions shared on social media further enhance their success.

Further details from the conversation with Coispeau are available in the complete interview, and additional announcements regarding the launch of Heave Ho 2 are expected soon as the studio finalizes its plans for release.