Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions is leveling up—literally. The award-winning duo is stepping into the gaming world with Taria & Como, a new title co-developed with Popseed Studio Inc. and game creator Kip Henderson. The game headlines the second season of releases for the quirky, crank-powered handheld console Playdate, launching May 29.
But this isn’t your average side-scroller. Taria & Como flips the script with a physics-based puzzle platformer where movement is built around swinging—not jumping—and where the hero is a young girl with a prosthetic leg navigating a world that continually underestimates her.
“Artists tell stories across all mediums,” said Davis and Tennon in a joint statement. “We were drawn to Kip’s vision because it’s so specific and imaginative—it captures you with truth, warmth, and a touch of mischief. That’s the kind of storytelling we believe in. Taria & Como has a big soul, and we can’t wait for folks to experience it.”
The story follows Taria, a resilient girl separated from her little sister Como after a disaster. Waking up in a hospital outfitted with a restrictive, state-approved prosthetic, Taria doesn’t sit still. Instead, she takes her fate into her own hands—using ingenuity, grit, and that signature Playdate crank—to find Como and reclaim her freedom.
For Henderson, this project is deeply personal. “A few years ago, my friend’s son was diagnosed with Tourette’s, and I started thinking about the kinds of stories he’d grow up with,” he shared. “As a disabled person, I’ve seen the same tropes recycled—pity cases, superpowers, magical cures. Taria & Como is the story I wish I had growing up. We’re more than inspiration porn—we’re people.”
And with Playdate’s unique mechanics—yes, including the now-iconic crank—the game stands out. “A physics platformer, powered by a crank, starring a disabled hero who can’t jump? Those are incredible ingredients,” said Panic co-founder Cabel Sasser. “It’s exactly what we dreamed of for Playdate.”
Taria & Como is one of 12 new titles rolling out for Playdate’s second season, which spans six weeks starting May 29. Two games will drop each week, creating a staggered, surprise-filled experience for players—one that harkens back to Playdate’s original goal of a shared gaming journey.
Other titles in the lineup include:
- Fulcrum Defender from the FTL team at Subset Games, a crank-fueled arcade-style shooter
- Shadowgate PD, a reimagining of the classic point-and-click adventure
- Dig! Dig! Dino!, where players unearth dino bones and lost treasures
- Plus eight more unrevealed titles from indie developers across the globe
Pre-orders for Season Two are open now at play.date/catalog for $39. The Playdate console itself—complete with its signature yellow color, black-and-white screen, and yes, that crank—is available for $229, with refurbished units priced at $179. A new yellow Playdate cover also debuted and is available for $34.
Whether you’re a longtime indie gamer or just curious about a crank-controlled console that champions bold, heartfelt storytelling, Taria & Como is shaping up to be a must-play. It’s not just a game—it’s a reminder of what can happen when imagination meets purpose.
Watch the trailer and learn more at play.date.