Live Fast, Buzz Hard: Play as a Housefly Racing Against Time in Time Flies

Play as a Housefly Racing Against Time in Time Flies

Time Flies is an intriguing new game where you get to experience life as a housefly — with all its quirks and a very limited lifespan. The game, developed by Playables and published by Panic (known for Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game), finally has a release date set for July 31.

Step into the wings of a common housefly
Complete a bucket list before your short life ends
Choose your country to determine your fly’s lifespan
Available on Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC

What’s the Buzz About?

In Time Flies, your fly’s life is short — usually between 15 to 30 days in real life — and the game reflects that by giving you only a limited amount of time to tick off your bucket list. From tickling a sleeping human’s foot to getting stuck in a dessert dish or spinning on a record player, the game captures the little adventures of a fly’s life in a playful way.

The twist? Your fly’s lifespan depends on the country you pick at the start. Each country is linked to its average human life expectancy, which then determines how many seconds your fly will live in the game. Once time’s up, your fly dies, but you can always start over. And if you’re not into bucket lists, you’re free to just buzz around and explore until your time runs out.

Meaningful Moments in a Tiny Life

The game’s tagline says it all: “You are a fly. Your life is short. Make the best of the time you have. Because we are all going to die.” Designer and animator Michael Frei shared his inspiration, saying, “I was interested in having a fly as being something meaningless, almost annoying, and to do something meaningful as a fly in the world with a bucket list.”

This concept makes you think about what really matters — even if you’re just a tiny fly with little time to live. As Frei puts it, “I think that’s something we ask ourselves every day. Like, ‘What is meaningful to me? What should I do with my life?’”

When and Where to Play?

Time Flies will be released on July 31 and will be available on Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. If you want a sneak peek, check out the new trailer showcasing some classic fly antics: