# The Mooseman

> 2017 video game developed by Morteshka based on the Finno-Ugric mythology

**Wikidata**: [Q110419999](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110419999)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mooseman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-mooseman

## Summary
The Mooseman is a 2017 adventure and puzzle video game developed by the Russian studio Morteshka and published by Sometimes You. Based on Finno-Ugric mythology, this single-player indie game was released worldwide on February 17, 2017, across multiple platforms including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and mobile devices. It is notable for its cultural inspiration and availability on a wide range of systems, from PC and consoles to Android and iOS.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Morteshka, a Russian video game developer headquartered in Perm (inception: May 1, 2015).
- **Publisher:** Sometimes You, a Russian video game developer and publisher.
- **Release Date:** February 17, 2017 (worldwide); March 16, 2022 (Xbox Series X and Series S).
- **Genre:** Adventure video game, puzzle video game.
- **Theme:** Based on Finno-Ugric mythology.
- **Game Mode:** Single-player video game.
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch.
- **Distribution:** Digital distribution (Steam, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, Google Play), Blu-ray Disc, ROM cartridge.
- **Languages:** Russian, Komi-Permyak, English, French, German.
- **Input Devices:** Computer keyboard, computer mouse, gamepad, touchscreen.
- **Ratings:** ESRB (Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language), PEGI 7 (Violence, Horror / Fear), GSRR (Parental Guidance 12+), IMDA (G), Australian Classification (PG).
- **Awards:** Independent Games Festival (IGF) entrant in 2016 and 2018.
- **Review Scores:** 71/100 on OpenCritic (Top Critic Average), 78/100 on Kritikanstvo.
- **Steam Application ID:** 574310.
- **IMDb ID:** tt14856042.

## FAQs
**Who developed and published The Mooseman?**
The game was developed by Morteshka, a studio based in Perm, Russia, and published by Sometimes You.

**What platforms is The Mooseman available on?**
It is available on a wide variety of platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Nintendo Switch.

**What is the premise and genre of the game?**
The Mooseman is an adventure and puzzle video game based on Finno-Ugric mythology, designed as a single-player experience.

**When was The Mooseman released?**
The game was released worldwide on February 17, 2017, and later released on Xbox Series X and Series S on March 16, 2022.

**What are the content ratings for The Mooseman?**
It is rated Everyone 10+ by the ESRB for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, and Mild Language; PEGI 7 for Violence and Horror; and PG by the Australian Classification Board.

**What languages are supported in the game?**
The game supports Russian, Komi-Permyak, English, French, and German.

## Why It Matters
The Mooseman serves as a significant cultural artifact within the video game industry by bringing the often-overlooked Finno-Ugric mythology to a global audience. Developed by the independent Russian studio Morteshka, it highlights the capacity of indie developers to explore distinct cultural narratives and folklore, contrasting with more common settings in mainstream gaming. Its recognition as an entrant in the Independent Games Festival in both 2016 and 2018 underscores its artistic merit and the industry's acknowledgment of its unique contribution to the adventure and puzzle genres. Furthermore, its availability across nearly every major gaming platform—from PC and consoles to mobile devices—demonstrates a successful cross-platform strategy that maximizes accessibility for diverse player communities.

## Notable For
- Being an IGF entrant in two consecutive years (2016 and 2018).
- Featuring the Komi-Permyak language, a regional language spoken in the Perm Krai of Russia.
- Being released on both modern and legacy hardware, including the PlayStation Vita and the Xbox Series X/S.
- Having a proprietary license while being distributed via major digital stores like Steam and the Nintendo eShop.
- Receiving a "Top Critic Average" of 71/100 on OpenCritic.

## Body

### Development and History
The Mooseman was created by Morteshka, a video game developer founded on May 1, 2015, in Perm, Russia. The studio operates within the Russian video game industry and utilized a proprietary software engine for the game's development. Sometimes You, also a Russian entity in the video game industry, served as the publisher. The project gained attention early in its development cycle, being selected as an entrant for the Independent Games Festival (IGF) in 2016 under the ID "mooseman," and again in 2018 under the ID "mooseman-0."

### Release and Platforms
The game launched worldwide on February 17, 2017. It was subsequently released on Xbox Series X and Series S on March 16, 2022. The Mooseman supports a vast array of operating systems and hardware, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. On the console front, it is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Nintendo Switch. This broad compatibility is facilitated through various distribution formats such as digital download, Blu-ray Disc, and ROM cartridge.

### Distribution and Sales
The game is distributed through major digital storefronts including Steam, the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, the Nintendo eShop, and Google Play. Specific platform IDs include the Steam Application ID 574310 and the Nintendo Switch title ID 010033300AC1A000. For mobile users, the bundle ID is com.morteshka.mooseman on Android and the App Store ID is 1342785388 on iOS. Physical copies are available on Blu-ray Disc and ROM cartridges.

### Gameplay and Features
As a single-player adventure and puzzle game, The Mooseman allows for input via computer keyboard, mouse, gamepad, or touchscreen. The game is classified as an indie game and is copyrighted under a proprietary license. The narrative and aesthetic are deeply rooted in the Finno-Ugric mythology, offering a distinct cultural experience compared to titles based on more widely mythologized histories.

### Ratings and Content
The game carries several age ratings to guide consumers. The ESRB assigned an "Everyone 10+" rating, citing "Fantasy Violence," "Mild Blood," and "Mild Language." The PEGI rating is 7, with content descriptors for "Violence" and "Horror / Fear." In other regions, it received a "Parental Guidance 12+" from GSRR, a "G" from IMDA, and a "PG" from the Australian Classification Board, with the Australian board specifically noting "Scary scenes" and "Online interactivity."

### Localization
The Mooseman supports multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience. The language of work or name includes Russian, Komi-Permyak, English, French, and German. The inclusion of Komi-Permyak is particularly notable as it aligns with the game's setting in the Perm region and its mythological roots.

### Critical Reception
The game has been reviewed by various critical aggregators. On OpenCritic, it holds a Top Critic Average score of 71/100 based on 29 reviews, with a "Critics Recommend" score of 45% based on 31 reviews. Russian aggregator Kritikanstvo gave it a score of 78/100 based on 10 reviews.

### Technical Identifiers
The Mooseman is cataloged under numerous external database IDs for cross-referencing and archival purposes. These include an IMDb ID of tt14856042, an OpenCritic ID of 6359, a MobyGames ID of 111025, and a HowLongToBeat ID of 44230. It also appears in regional databases such as the Nintendo Online ID (14320) and the VTower ID (13962).

## References

1. Steam
2. [Source](https://www.bnkomi.ru/data/news/43036/)
3. OpenCritic
4. Kritikanstvo
5. [Source](https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=The+Mooseman)
6. [Source](https://www.gamerating.org.tw)
7. Australian Classification database
8. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/VideoGames/SearchDetail.aspx?sTitle=IDX/2011/000301)
9. GameSpot
10. Badgames
11. Q110996436
12. Nintendo World Report
13. Nintendo-Online
14. Giant Bomb
15. Q124398839
16. GamesMeter.nl
17. PlayStation Store
18. Q117507113
19. Q117506892
20. GOG Dreamlist