# Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure

> 2016 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q107424308](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107424308)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure

## Summary
*Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure* is a 2016 indie action-sports video game centered around dodgeball, developed and published by British studio Curve Games. It supports single-player, multiplayer, and co-op modes, and is available on platforms including Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Nintendo Switch. The game is known for its lighthearted tone, indie aesthetic, and multiplayer-focused gameplay.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: April 1, 2016.
- **Developer/Publisher**: Curve Games (founded December 14, 2005; based in London, UK).
- **Genres**: Action game, sports video game, dodgeball video game.
- **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows (since 1985), macOS (since 2001), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (via PlayStation Now and PlayStation Store), and Xbox (via Microsoft Store).
- **Game Modes**: Single-player, multiplayer, and co-op.
- **Languages Supported**: English, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Russian.
- **ESRB Rating**: "Everyone" with descriptors for *Mild Fantasy Violence* and *Mild Language*.
- **Distribution**: Digital download via Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and PlayStation Now.
- **Review Scores**:
  - OpenCritic Top Critic Average: 73/100 (based on 28 reviews as of 2018).
  - OpenCritic Critics Recommend: 46% (based on 28 reviews as of 2018).
- **Compatibility**: Verified for Steam Deck ("Great on Deck" as of April 27, 2023).
- **Aliases**: Also known as *Stikbold*, *Stikbold! ドッジボールアドベンチャー!DELUXE*, and *Stikbold! ドッジボールアドベンチャー!*.
- **Website**: [http://www.stikbold.com/](http://www.stikbold.com/) (available in multiple languages).
- **Identifiers**:
  - Steam App ID: 429330.
  - Metacritic ID: `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure`.
  - HowLongToBeat ID: 36426.
  - Mobygames ID: 78079.
  - Nintendo eShop ID: `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure-deluxe-switch`.
  - Microsoft Store Product ID: `bplb9k9c4dvz`.

## FAQs

**What platforms is *Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure* available on?**
The game is playable on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (via PlayStation Now and PlayStation Store), and Xbox (via Microsoft Store). It supports digital distribution across all platforms.

**Is *Stikbold!* suitable for children?**
Yes, the game is rated "Everyone" by the ESRB, with mild content descriptors for fantasy violence and language, making it appropriate for most audiences.

**Does the game support multiplayer?**
Yes, it offers single-player, local/online multiplayer, and co-op modes, emphasizing competitive and cooperative dodgeball gameplay.

**What languages does *Stikbold!* support?**
The game is localized in English, French, German, Spanish, Danish, and Russian, with its official website available in these languages as well.

**How was *Stikbold!* received by critics?**
Critical reception was mixed, with an OpenCritic aggregate score of 73/100 and a 46% "Recommended" rating from 28 reviews as of 2018.

**Is *Stikbold!* compatible with Steam Deck?**
Yes, the game is verified as "Great on Deck" by Steam as of April 27, 2023.

## Why It Matters
*Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure* stands out as a niche indie title that revitalizes the dodgeball genre in video games, blending accessible mechanics with chaotic multiplayer fun. Its cross-platform availability and support for co-op play make it a versatile choice for casual and competitive gamers alike. As an indie game published by Curve Games, it also highlights the creativity and diversity of smaller studios in the sports-game space, offering an alternative to mainstream titles. The game’s lighthearted tone and multiplayer focus contribute to its appeal as a party or social gaming experience.

## Notable For
- One of the few video games dedicated entirely to dodgeball as a core mechanic.
- Developed and published by Curve Games, a prominent UK-based indie studio.
- Supports cross-platform multiplayer and co-op modes, enhancing its social gaming appeal.
- Verified for Steam Deck, ensuring compatibility with handheld PC gaming.
- Features localized content in six languages, broadening its international accessibility.
- Holds a unique position in the indie sports genre, with a distinctive art style and humorous tone.

## Body

### Overview and Development
*Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure* is a 2016 video game that merges action and sports mechanics into a dodgeball-centric experience. Developed and published by **Curve Games**, a British studio founded in 2005 and headquartered in London, the game emphasizes multiplayer competition and cooperative play. It was released on **April 1, 2016**, initially for Microsoft Windows and macOS, with later expansions to consoles like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

### Gameplay and Modes
The game offers three primary modes:
- **Single-player**: A campaign or solo experience.
- **Multiplayer**: Competitive matches supporting local and online play.
- **Co-op**: Team-based gameplay for collaborative dodgeball battles.

Its dodgeball mechanics include throwing, catching, and dodging, with a focus on fast-paced, chaotic matches. The game’s design prioritizes accessibility, making it suitable for both casual players and those seeking competitive multiplayer fun.

### Platforms and Distribution
*Stikbold!* is available on multiple platforms:
- **PC**: Microsoft Windows (via Steam and Microsoft Store) and macOS (via Steam).
- **Consoles**: Nintendo Switch (via Nintendo eShop), PlayStation 4 (via PlayStation Store and PlayStation Now), and Xbox (via Microsoft Store).
- **Steam Deck**: Verified as "Great on Deck" (April 27, 2023), confirming optimized performance for Valve’s handheld device.

Distribution is exclusively digital, with no physical release. It is sold through major storefronts like **Steam**, **Nintendo eShop**, **PlayStation Store**, and **Microsoft Store**.

### Localization and Accessibility
The game supports six languages:
- English, French, German, Spanish, Danish, and Russian.
Its official website ([stikbold.com](http://www.stikbold.com/)) is also localized in these languages, catering to a global audience.

### Critical Reception
*Stikbold!* received mixed reviews upon release:
- **OpenCritic Score**: 73/100 (Top Critic Average, based on 28 reviews as of 2018).
- **Recommendation Rate**: 46% of critics recommended it (OpenCritic, 2018).
While not a critical darling, its multiplayer focus and indie charm earned it a dedicated fanbase.

### Technical Details and Identifiers
The game is associated with numerous digital identifiers across platforms:
- **Steam**: App ID `429330`.
- **Metacritic**: `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure`.
- **HowLongToBeat**: ID `36426`.
- **Mobygames**: ID `78079`.
- **Nintendo eShop**: `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure-deluxe-switch`.
- **Microsoft Store**: Product ID `bplb9k9c4dvz`.
- **ESRB ID**: `36425` (for PlayStation 4 version).

### Ratings and Content Descriptors
The game is rated **"Everyone"** by the ESRB, with content descriptors for:
- *Mild Fantasy Violence*.
- *Mild Language*.
This rating ensures broad accessibility, including younger audiences.

### Related Entities and Ecosystem
- **Curve Games**: The developer and publisher, known for indie titles like *Human: Fall Flat* and *The Ascent*.
- **Digital Storefronts**: Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and PlayStation Now.
- **Indie Game Community**: *Stikbold!* is classified as an indie game, contributing to the diversity of the genre.

### Legacy and Community
While not a mainstream blockbuster, *Stikbold!* has carved a niche as a quirky, multiplayer-focused sports game. Its inclusion in services like **PlayStation Now** and **Steam Deck verification** ensures continued accessibility. The game’s lighthearted tone and cooperative modes make it a staple for local multiplayer gatherings, and its presence on speedrunning platforms (e.g., **speedrun.com**) indicates an active community of competitive players.

### Additional References
- **Speedrun.com ID**: `stikbold`.
- **PCGamingWiki ID**: `Stikbold!_A_Dodgeball_Adventure`.
- **IGDB IDs**: `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure` (ID 18614) and `stikbold-a-dodgeball-adventure-deluxe` (ID 85391).
- **Wikipedia**: Available in Japanese (`ja`).

The game’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, multiplayer chaos, and indie sensibilities, making it a memorable entry in the sports-game genre.

## References

1. Steam
2. Nintendo eShop
3. OpenCritic
4. [All PS Now games A-Z](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps-now/ps-now-games/#all-ps-now-games)
5. ESRB rating database
6. GameSpot
7. RAWG
8. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
9. Q124398839
10. GamesMeter.nl