The Weeknd cannot stop playing a new indie fishing game

The Weeknd has revealed that his newest gaming fixation is the demo for an independent fishing adventure.

The Weeknd has long been passionate about gaming. He became the inaugural featured artist in Fortnite Festival and has said that he unwinds after performing in stadiums by playing Donkey Kong Bananza. Through his alternative Instagram profile, the musician often uploads pictures with game creators he admires. Earlier this year, Capcom invited him to its headquarters for an advance session with Resident Evil Requiem.

More recently, the singer has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for the Persona franchise. He even posted a possible tattoo design featuring character Tae Takemi, sparking widespread attention online.

Gaming journalist Gene Park contacted The Weeknd about discussing games for The Washington Post. During their conversation, the R&B artist revealed that his current favourite is About Fishing.

Taking inspiration from Shenmue and Sega Bass Fishing, About Fishing is described as “a fishing mystery game that blends the calm, meditative rhythm of fishing with the quiet tension of discovery. It drifts between serenity and unease, as every catch brings you closer to uncovering what lies beneath.” Its description continues: “Every cast is a chance to uncover something unexpected. The fish you catch become your guides, helping you reach fragments of a long-forgotten mystery hidden beneath the surface. You can lose yourself in the calm of fishing or follow the clues the water offers.”

The independent title is expected to arrive later this year, although players can already experience its demo through Steam.

“The atmosphere got me immediately,” The Weeknd told Park. “When I was young, my cousin had this collection of burned Sega Dreamcast discs, including Japanese releases I had never seen before,” including Shenmue, Seaman and Power Stone. “About Fishing gave me that feeling again. It reminded me of being a kid and finding games that felt like they came from somewhere else.”

Following his time with the demo, The Weeknd reportedly invited creator Kevin Brown and composer Cameron Ginex to his office so they could play together. The three have remained connected through a group chat. “[About Fishing] is beautiful and haunting in the right ways,” he told The Washington Post. “The work looks simple at first, but there is a lot underneath it. [Brown] can make something feel terrifying, and then, in the same beat, make you laugh. That is someone in control of their craft.”

Elsewhere in gaming, Grand Theft Auto 6 fans will receive a longer preview of the eagerly awaited title later this month, although it will only be accessible to Netflix subscribers.