Bad Magpie: A Corvid Collectathon with Existential Angst 2026

Bad Magpie is an upcoming indie game from Milktooth that transforms a wounded corvid's quest for shiny objects into a poignant meditation on loss and distraction. In the debut trailer, a lone magpie calls out as a flock passes with a missing formation, setting the tone for a game that balances gleeful chaos with melancholy.

What Is Bad Magpie?

Developed by Daisy Fernandez, George Batchelor, and Catherine Unger—alumni of State of Play Games (South of the Circle)—Bad Magpie began as a fairytale about a duck in love with a star. The team pivoted to a magpie after realizing the crow-like bird better suited a story about seeking shiny distractions from abandonment. The game is a collectathon where players gather items to appease a celestial companion while grappling with the magpie's own isolation.

Key Themes and Inspirations

Fernandez drew inspiration from a “missing man” formation she saw during lockdown—a V-shaped pattern with a gap honoring a fallen pilot. This image of absence drives the narrative. The magpie's behavior mirrors the nursery rhyme “One for sorrow, two for joy,” which Fernandez calls “an anthem for the co-dependent.” The game also critiques how video game collectathons can distract from real-world anxieties, offering a meta-commentary on escapism.

Comparison: Bad Magpie vs. Untitled Goose Game

Key Takeaways

• Bad Magpie transforms a collectathon formula into a vehicle for emotional storytelling.
• The missing-man formation and “one for sorrow” rhyme are central metaphors.
• Art direction comes from Catherine Unger, known for The Mermaid Mask.
• The game deliberately echoes but diverges from Untitled Goose Game.
• Expect a mix of open-world exploration, item gathering, and narrative beats.

Gameplay and Visuals

Players control the magpie as she flies, scavenges, and causes “corvid carnage.” The world is rendered in Unger's lush, storybook style. Each shiny object collected feeds the star but also deepens the protagonist's loneliness. Milktooth aims for a 3-4 hour experience that encourages repeated playthroughs to uncover hidden lore.

Why the Corvid?

Magpies are natural hoarders, making them perfect for a collectathon. But the team chose a wounded bird to inject vulnerability. Fernandez notes that the magpie's calls are designed to evoke sympathy, not just mischief. The flock gap becomes a recurring visual motif—players see it in loading screens and during key moments.

Potential Release and Platforms

Bad Magpie was announced via a trailer in early 2025. No official release date has been set, but it's expected on PC, Nintendo Switch, and consoles. Follow Milktooth on social media for updates.

FAQ

With its blend of emotional storytelling and satisfying collection loops, Bad Magpie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated indie titles of the year. Whether you're a fan of corvids, existential drama, or just causing chaos with a bird, this game deserves a spot on your wishlist.