An upcomingAnnapurna Interactivegame just got itself a new name. From the studio behind theNidhogggames, theAnnapurna-publishedGhost Bike—revealed back in 2023—has been renamed.
Known for publishing gamessuch asStrayandOuter Wilds, Annapurna Interactive is a big name in the indie scene. Formed in 2016 as a division of Annapurna Pictures, the publisher has, in many ways, superseded the media entity it derives from. This increase in notoriety came to a head in September of this year, when the entire staff of Annapurna Interactive resigned—with the cause being the breakdown of negotiations toward establishing Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity.
Annapurna Interactive’s Ghost Bike Has Been Renamed Wheel World
In the midst of the conflict between Annapurna Interactive and Annapurna Pictures, a number of games have been struck in the crossfire. Among these titles isGhost Bike, a cycling game announced in 2023that was originally slated for a 2024 release. A fantasy racing game rendered in a lovely cel-shaded artstyle,Ghost Bikehas not only been delayed to 2025 but has been the subject of a name change. On the 17th of October, developer Messhof announced thatGhost Bikehas been renamed toWheel World, a move to reflect a shift in tone.
Wheel World’s Name Change Demonstrates A Shift In Tone And Sensitivities
Wheel Worlddeveloper Messhof, the studiobehind the fencing game seriesNidhogg, included in its announcement the details behind this name change. Chief among the reasons is a shift in tone;Wheel World’s plot previously revolved around its protagonist dying in a cycling accident and waking up in a sort of cyclist’s Valhalla. Interestingly, the description for the originalGhost Biketrailer mentioned that the setting was, even back then, called ‘Wheel World’. However, the game’s Steam page is now bereft of details pertaining to an afterlife for cyclists, focusing more on a story about performing a cycling ritual to save the universe (with the aid of ancient cycling spirits).
The post onWheel World’s Steam page also relayed how the original title was based on the real-life practice of Ghost Bike memorials. These typically entail white bikes stationed in spots where a cyclist was killed by a car, serving as both a memorial for the deceased and a reminder for motorists to drive safely. This name fit more with the original plot, but the move away from darker subject material led to its retirement. Sensitive subjects can often be the reasoning for name changes in gaming, withtitles likeWorld of Warcraftbeing a source of many examples—albeit vastly more severe cases.
Wheel World Is Being Delayed Into 2025
Messhof has been more tight-lippedaboutWheel World’s delay, though the reasoning behind it isn’t hard to extrapolate.Wheel World’s switch to a lighter narrative is one rooted in the game’s mechanics, as highlighted by Messhof’s Steam page announcement. In this announcement, it is stated that story and tone changed ‘as things changed in the gameplay’, suggesting thatWheel Worldhas been altered greatly under the hood.
Moreover, though this is speculation,Annapurna Interactive’s internal strifemay have been a factor in the delay. Though it has been alleged by some developers that they have received word that agreements will all be honored, Annapurna has had scarcely more than a month to recover from the mass resignation of all its 25 staff members. Such an upheaval may not have had a direct impact on the development ofWheel World, but it’s somewhat safe to surmise that these events could have played a part. Nonetheless,Wheel World’s switch to a 2025 release won’t stand in the way of it being a day one Xbox Game Pass title.
Wheel World
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to Wheel World, where the fate of the universe rests on your handlebars.You are Kat, a young cyclist with one mission: save Wheel World from total collapse. Explore a stunning open world filled with impressive vistas, hidden secrets, and races that will test your skills. Customize your bike with an endless array of parts, from sleek speedsters to off-road beasts—there’s no limit to how you’re able to ride.Wheel World is packed with things to do:Race and Dominate: Take on elite cycling teams and quirky rivals in high-stakes races where every second counts.Upgrade Your Ride: Scour the world for rare parts to build the ultimate bike, perfectly tailored to your style.Carry Out Your Destiny: Recover your stolen Legendary parts to ultimately perform The Great Shift ritual and save the world. No big deal.All of this is backed by an original soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, pumping energy into every race and moments of breathtaking semi-open world exploration.It’s time to pedal your way to glory, save the spirits of Wheel World, and keep the universe on track. Hop on, ride fast, and don’t look back.
