# iO

> 2014 puzzle platformer video game developed by Gamious

**Wikidata**: [Q122639746](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122639746)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/io-q122639746

## Summary
iO is a puzzle platformer video game developed and published by Gamious. Released in 2014, it combines elements of action and racing genres. The game is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Gamious
- **Publisher:** Gamious
- **Publication Date:** December 5, 2014
- **Genre:** Puzzle platformer, Action game, Racing video game
- **Game Mode:** Single-player
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4
- **Distribution:** Digital distribution (Steam)
- **Software Engine:** Unity (referenced as Q63966)
- **Languages:** English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese
- **Review Scores:** OpenCritic Top Critic Average: 68/100 (based on 9 critics); OpenCritic Critics Recommend: 50%
- **Steam Application ID:** 324070
- **Collection:** Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision

## FAQs
**What kind of game is iO?**
iO is a single-player video game that blends puzzle platformer, action, and racing elements. It was developed and published by Gamious.

**When was iO released and on what platforms?**
iO was released on December 5, 2014. It is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4.

**How was iO received by critics?**
According to OpenCritic data from 2017, iO has an average critic score of 68/100 with a 50% recommendation rate from top critics.

**In which languages is iO available?**
The game supports eight languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, and Portuguese.

## Why It Matters
iO is an example of a multi-platform indie title from the mid-2010s that utilized digital distribution to reach a wide audience across Windows, Mac, Linux, and consoles. Its inclusion in the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision collection highlights its relevance as a cultural artifact in video game history.

## Notable For
- **Hybrid Genre Classification:** Uniquely categorized as both a puzzle platformer and a racing video game.
- **Multi-Platform Support:** broad availability on desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and consoles (PlayStation 4).
- **Digital Preservation:** Archival in a national sound and vision institute.
- **Extensive Localization:** Support for eight distinct languages at launch.

## Body

### Development and Distribution
iO was developed by the studio Gamious, who also acted as the publisher. The game was officially published on December 5, 2014. It relies on the Unity engine (software engine Q63966) and was distributed digitally, primarily through the Steam platform (Steam Application ID: 324070). It is also listed on the Microsoft Store with product ID btnw7xglql30.

### Gameplay and Features
The game is a single-player experience that merges genres. While originally described as a puzzle platformer, metadata from Steam classifies it under action and racing genres. The gameplay involves physics-based mechanics, suggested by its package ID on the PlayStation Store ("IOPHYSICSGAMIOUS").

### Platform Availability
iO was released on a variety of platforms. It is playable on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also extended to console platforms, specifically the PlayStation 4 (referenced by UVL game ID 236210 and North American PlayStation Store ID UP1528-CUSA04567_00-IOPHYSICSGAMIOUS).

### Critical Reception
Aggregated review data from OpenCritic (ID: 3953) provides insight into the game's reception. As of April 2017, the game held a "Top Critic Average" score of 68/100, derived from 9 critic reviews. The "Critics Recommend" metric stood at 50%.

### Identifiers and Cataloging
The entity "iO" is distinct from other entities named "IO" (specifically a 2007 game and a general entity). It is cataloged in numerous gaming databases and archives:
- **Archives:** Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (Collection Q138133919).
- **Database IDs:**
    - **OpenCritic:** 3953
    - **IGDB:** io (ID: 6465)
    - **MobyGames:** 84781
    - **PCGamingWiki:** IO
    - **HowLongToBeat:** 24231
    - **Speedrun.com:** io
    - **RAWG:** io
    - **Lutris:** io
    - **Mod DB / Indie DB:** io
    - **Humble Store:** io
    - **IsThereAnyDeal:** io
    - **GamerProfiles:** gRxnv
    - **VGList:** 77113
    - **VideoGameGeek:** 173921
    - **Riot Pixels:** io-ii-2014
    - **SensCritique:** 12839167
    - **GamersGlobal:** 97597
    - **Giant Bomb:** 3030-48523
    - **Holarse:** io
    - **Databáze her:** 12673
    - **TuxDB:** 1351
    - **GamingOnLinux:** 5830

## References

1. iO. game-catalogus Beeld & Geluid. 2014
2. Steam
3. Mod DB
4. OpenCritic
5. RAWG