Some games aim for cinematic storytelling, others for deep mechanics. A Game About Digging a Hole from developer Cyberwave aims for something far more honest: digging a hole. No metaphors (well, maybe one), no world-saving hijinks, and no hidden gimmicks to unravel. Originally a cult hit on PC, this deliberately minimal experience now finds its way to Nintendo Switch, a platform perfect for those who desire portability with the simple but surprisingly addictive gameplay the game offers.
Your character has been offered the opportunity to purchase a home for dirt cheap, with the tease from the seller that there may be buried treasure on the property. The entire loop is as basic as it gets: press a button, dig a hole, earn resources, and upgrade your ability to dig a hole better. That’s it. There are no bosses to conquer, no elaborate platforming sections, and no objectives that require scouring for quest items.
Part of the appeal for a title like this is that it’s an idle game design stripped down to the basics, and it accomplishes this while still offering a gameplay loop that makes your progress feel rewarding by giving you tools to dig more effectively, which in turn will see your rather simple hole transform into a huge underground monument.
On Switch, controls are simple and responsive, whether played docked or handheld. Digging feels snappy; upgrades are quick to access and never feel like a burden to navigate. The modest scope of this game helps tremendously when it comes to its flawless performance. It fits neatly into the Switch’s strength as a portable time killer without demanding commitment or concentration.
Visually, A Game About Digging a Hole is clean and functional. Dirt looks like dirt, your tools look like what you would find in any toolshed, and your ever-expanding pit looks as exciting as a hole can look. The conservative presentation feels intentional rather than shiftless, reinforcing the game’s deadpan sense of humour. Sound design is polished as well. Digging effects are repetitive but oddly satisfying, and the subdued audio makes it easy to play alongside music or a podcast. This isn’t a game that insists on your full attention—and that feels like part of the design.
A Game About Digging a Hole‘s self-awareness is part of what makes it such a joy to play. The title alone sets expectations perfectly, and the game never once tries to exceed them by getting needlessly complex. There’s a quiet, dry wit in how seriously it treats such a pointless task, and in how quickly you accept that digging a hole is now your sole purpose in life, which, while humorous in premise, means there’s a good chance this will turn off those looking for some kind of deep challenge or engaging storyline. The game knows this, though, and never overstays its welcome. It doesn’t pad itself with unnecessary features or fake complexity. You dig until you’re done digging, and then you stop.
