A Wild Take on Cooperative Gameplay
Independent studio Starlight Games has officially announced Monkey Bizniz, a physics-heavy cooperative title that transforms the mundane task of delivery into a series of comedic catastrophes. Marketed as the industry’s first “banana extraction game,” the objective is simple: gather as many bananas as possible and haul them to the peak of perilous mountains. Players can currently get a preview of the mayhem via a demo available on Steam.
Mastering the Banana Cart
Designed for up to four players—or a brave solo adventurer—the game puts you in control of customizable monkeys tasked with navigating a rickety, overloaded cart through sprawling sandbox levels. These environments are densely packed with hazards and obstacles that practically guarantee the journey will go sideways.
Coordination is key, as the game heavily integrates proximity voice chat to keep teammates talking. While one player focuses on balancing the wobbly cart, another might be operating machinery like cranes or pressure plates. Of course, players are just as likely to accidentally plummet off a ledge, adding a layer of unexpected chaos to the team's progress.
Collaboration vs. Sabotage
While the mission requires teamwork, the developers have baked a healthy dose of friendly rivalry into the experience. As noted by the team, players can opt for seamless cooperation or engage in playful sabotage to claim banana dominance. This fluid dynamic ensures that no two sessions feel the same.
From Internal Prototype to Full Project
The concept for Monkey Bizniz emerged during a series of internal game jams at Starlight Games. According to CEO Gary Nichols, the team experimented with several prototypes, but this particular idea stood out for one specific reason:
«It consistently made the developers laugh whenever they played it.»
Unpredictable Fun
By blending open-world sandbox navigation, physics-driven puzzles, and unpredictable social interactions, Monkey Bizniz promises an experience where failure is just as engaging as success. As groups race to stock up for the Monkey King’s feast, they will likely find that the greatest hurdle isn't the mountain, but the very teammates helping them push the cart.