If you’ve ever looked at games like Octodad or Getting Over It and thought they looked hilarious, but probably not great for your blood pressure, then this game might be worth keeping an eye on. Revealed during the 2026 Wholesome Direct, Rubber Bird is an upcoming physics platformer from Outretaupe. Much like those games, it embraces awkward fumblecore movement and silly antics, but wraps them in a far more relaxed and cozy package.
The game stars Rub, a bird with a pair of stretchy limbs that can — and will — be used not just for jumping and grabbing objects, but also for throwing things around. Along the way, Rub will meet plenty of fellow birds, discover new areas, and uncover hidden secrets across colorful islands. Funny enough, the central mystery revolves around one very important question: why does Rub have arms instead of wings?
The short trailer offered a glimpse of the game’s physics-driven gameplay. Rub is shown dangling from platform to platform, making a mess of beach loungers and giant toy blocks, and even trying his rubbery hand at barbecue. Rubber Bird appears to embrace that particular brand of slapstick comedy, where things definitely won’t go according to plan.
Still, if you’re worried the game might stretch its premise too thin, don’t be. According to Outretaupe, Rubber Bird can be completed in roughly two to three hours, meaning it shouldn’t take long before you finally uncover the answer behind Rub’s rather unusual condition. Better yet, there are no game overs, time limits, or pressure to rush through the welcoming and goofy experience. Honestly speaking, that sounds like the perfect palate cleanser after spending hours on adrenaline-pumping RPGs or kaizo-tier platformer games.
Rubber Bird is currently in development for PC and will be released on Steam and itch.io, with Steam Deck support also planned. No release date has been announced at the time of writing, but players interested in the quirky platformer can wishlist the game now. And, of course, stay tuned to GameObserver for more coverage from Wholesome Direct 2026.
