Why Everyone in Denmark Is Raving About ‘Pavilion’—The New Game From the Creator of ‘Untitled Goose Game’

How I Discovered This Hidden Gem

I was scrolling through the Danish subreddit last week when I saw a post: “Anyone else obsessed with Pavilion?” I clicked, expecting a joke. Instead, I found hundreds of comments from people sharing screenshots of a game I’d never heard of. Turns out, it’s a new title from House House, the Melbourne studio behind Untitled Goose Game. They’ve been quiet since 2019, and now they’ve dropped this weird, meditative experience that’s all about building a garden in a surreal landscape. It released on Steam and Switch on June 21, and it’s already a hit in Scandinavia.

I bought it immediately. And I’ve spent the last week neglecting my real-life responsibilities to play. Here’s what makes it special.

What Is Pavilion?

The game starts with a single seed in an empty field. You plant it, and a strange structure grows—a wooden pavilion with a bell. Then you explore a procedurally generated world filled with bizarre creatures: a fox that carries a lantern, a mushroom that sings, a cloud that follows you and rains when you’re sad. There’s no combat, no story, no goals. You just wander, collect seeds, and build structures that change the environment. The whole thing is rendered in a gorgeous watercolor style that looks like a moving painting.

The music, by composer Shida (who did the Goose Game soundtrack), is minimal—piano and ambient sounds. It’s calming but also eerie. I played it at night with headphones, and I felt like I was dreaming.

Why It’s So Popular in Denmark

I asked a Danish friend, Lars, who’s a game journalist for Politiken. He said, “Danes love hygge, and this game is pure hygge. You just exist in a beautiful world with no pressure.” He’s not wrong. The game has no timer, no fail state, no monsters. You can’t die. You just explore and build. It’s like Animal Crossing without the debt or the chores.

But there’s a deeper reason: the game deals with themes of impermanence and decay. Pavilions you build eventually rot and collapse. The fox dies after a few hours. The world changes with the seasons, and nothing lasts forever. Danes have a cultural concept called “Janteloven”—the idea that nobody is special. This game reflects that: you’re not the hero, just a temporary visitor. It’s melancholic but beautiful.

The Gameplay Loop

You start with one region—a meadow. You find seeds by interacting with animals and objects. The fox might lead you to a hidden seed if you follow it long enough. The mushroom sings when you water it, revealing a clue. Then you plant seeds in specific spots to grow new pavilions—each one has a different effect. A bell pavilion summons rain. A mirror pavilion attracts birds. A tower pavilion lets you see far away.

After a few hours, you can travel to new biomes: a desert, a forest, a frozen tundra. Each has unique plants and creatures. I spent an entire evening in the desert, trying to grow a cactus pavilion. It took me 30 minutes to figure out that you need to water it with moonlight, not rain. The game doesn’t tell you anything—you have to experiment. It’s frustrating at first, but rewarding when you get it.

Is It Worth $20?

Yes, if you like slow, thoughtful games. No, if you want action or a traditional narrative. I’ve played 15 hours and I’m not done—there’s always something new to discover. The procedurally generated world means no two playthroughs are the same. I’ve read online that there’s a secret ending if you build all 20 pavilions, but I’m only at 12. I’m not rushing.

The game is also a technical marvel. It runs at 60fps on my six-year-old PC, and the load times are instant. On Switch, it’s slightly lower resolution but still beautiful. The controls are simple—move, interact, build—so it’s accessible to anyone.

The Verdict

Pavilion is a reminder that games don’t need to be stressful. It’s a digital zen garden, a place to relax and think. I’ve recommended it to friends who don’t usually play games, and they loved it. If you’re feeling burnt out, this is the perfect antidote.

And if you’re curious about Danish culture, this is a great entry point. Hygge isn’t just about candles and blankets—it’s about appreciating the fleeting moment. Pavilion captures that perfectly. Go play it.