A Decade of Slapstick Success: No Brakes Games’ Tomas Sakalauskas Reflects on Human Fall Flat’s Phenomenal Rise
As we celebrate a milestone anniversary, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the sheer scale of No Brakes Games’ Human Fall Flat franchise. From its humble beginnings as a prototype on Itch.io to topping an astonishing 60 million players worldwide, this Lithuanian indie developer has achieved what many would consider impossible. And at the heart of it all is Tomas Sakalauskas, the mastermind behind the slapstick physics puzzler that has captured the world’s imagination.
Sakalauskas’ journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. As he looks back on a defining decade, it’s clear that preserving the essence of Human Fall Flat was a delicate balancing act. With the title’s massive success came the pressure to scale production, manage a growing team, and navigate the complexities of game development. It’s an experience many indie developers can relate to, but few have managed to navigate with such finesse.
One of the key takeaways from Sakalauskas’ story is the importance of staying true to one’s vision. As the franchise grew, he struggled to balance creative control with the demands of a rapidly expanding team. He admits that there were times when he felt overwhelmed and burnt out, but it was his commitment to preserving Human Fall Flat’s unique spirit that ultimately guided him through these challenging periods.
The relationship between Sakalauskas and publisher Curve Digital is also worth noting. While some might view their partnership as a necessary evil, the two parties seem to have formed a harmonious alliance. Sakalauskas credits Curve with taking on the workload he found less appealing – marketing, platform outreach, and commercialization – allowing him to focus on what he does best: game direction and physics programming.
As we move forward into an exciting new chapter for Human Fall Flat, one thing is clear: No Brakes Games has managed to create something truly special. And Sakalauskas’ commitment to staying true to his vision will undoubtedly be a key factor in the franchise’s continued success. The fact that he’s already working on Human Fall Flat 3 is a testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved series.
So what does the future hold for VR and XR enthusiasts? With No Brakes Games pushing the boundaries of physics-based gameplay, we can expect even more innovative and immersive experiences from this trailblazing developer. As Sakalauskas himself says, “It’s all about creating a live organism that evolves.” And with Human Fall Flat 3 on the horizon, it’s clear that the best is yet to come for fans of this genre-defying franchise.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-22