Ghost Bike's name change explained

An upcoming Annapurna Interactive the game just got a new name. From the studio behind Knives game, the Annapurna-published Ghost Bike– which was revealed in 2023 – has changed its name.




Known for publishing games such as Stray and Outer WildsAnnapurna Interactive is a big name in the indie scene. The publisher was formed in 2016 as a division of Annapurna Pictures and has in many ways replaced the media entity it originated from. This rise in notoriety came to a head in September of this year, when the entire staff at Annapurna Interactive resigned – citing the breakdown of negotiations to establish Annapurna Interactive as an independent entity.

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Annapurna Interactive's Ghost Bike has been renamed Wheel World


Amid the conflict between Annapurna Interactive and Annapurna Pictures, a number of games have been caught in the crossfire. Among these titles are Ghost bikea cycling game announced in 2023 and originally slated for release in 2024. A fantasy racing game rendered in a lovely cel-shaded art style, Ghost bike has not only been delayed to 2025 but has been subject to a name change. On October 17, developer Messhof announced that Ghost bike has changed its name to Wheel Worlda move to reflect a change in tone.

Wheel World's name change shows a change in tone and sensibility

Wheel World developer Messhof, the studio behind the fencing game series Knivesincluded in its announcement the details behind this name change. The main reason is a change in tone; Wheel Worlds plot previously revolved around its main character dying in a bicycle accident and waking up in a kind of biker election hall. Interesting, the description for the original Ghost Bike the trailer mentioned that the setting was already called “Wheel World”. However, the game's Steam page is now stripped of details regarding an afterlife for bikers, focusing more on a story about performing a bike ritual to save the universe (with the help of ancient bike spirits).


The post on Wheel WorldThe Steam page also conveyed how the original title was based on the real-life practice of Ghost Bike memorials. These usually involve white bicycles stationed at locations where a cyclist was killed by a car, and act as both a memorial to the deceased and a reminder to motorists to drive safely. This name was more in keeping with the original storyline, but the move away from darker subject matter led to its retirement. Sensitive topics can often be the reason for name changes in games, with titles such as World of Warcraft is a source of many examples – albeit much more serious cases.

Wheel World is delayed until 2025

Messhof has been more silly about Wheel Worlds delay, although the reasoning behind it is not difficult to extrapolate. Wheel Worlds shift to a lighter story is one rooted in the game's mechanics, as highlighted by Messhof's Steam page. This announcement states that the story and tone changed “as things changed in the game”, suggesting that Wheel World has changed significantly under the hood.


Also, although this is speculation, Annapurna Interactive's internal strife may have been a factor in the delay. Although it has been claimed by some developers that they have been told that all agreements will be fulfilled, Annapurna has barely had more than a month to recover from the mass departure of all its 25 employees. Such an upheaval may not have had a direct impact on the development of Wheel Worldbut it is fairly safe to assume that these events could have played a role. Nevertheless, Wheel Worlds switch to a 2025 release won't stand in the way of it one day becoming an Xbox Game Pass title.

wheel world

Welcome to Wheel World, where the fate of the universe rests on your control.

You are Kat, a young cyclist with a mission: save Wheel World from total collapse. Explore a stunning open world filled with impressive vistas, hidden secrets and races that will test your skills. Customize your bike with an endless range of parts, from stylish speedsters to off-road beasts – there's no limit to how you can ride.

Wheel World is packed with things to do:

Compete and dominate: Take on elite cycling teams and outsmart rivals in high-stakes races where every second counts.

Upgrade your ride: Search the world for rare parts to build the ultimate bike, perfectly tailored to your style.

Fulfill Your Destiny: Recover your stolen legendary parts to ultimately perform The Great Shift Ritual and save the world. No big deal.

All of this is backed by an original soundtrack from Italians Do It Better, pumping energy into every race and moments of breathtaking semi-open world exploration.

It's time to stomp your way to glory, save the spirits of Wheel World, and keep the universe on track. Jump on, go fast and don't look back.

Released
2025

Developer
Messhof game

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