Tecopark, the developer behind Pico Park: Classic Edition, has announced that the cooperative platformer game first released in 2016 is now permanently free on Steam. Interestingly, this was not a marketing decision but the result of an irreversible technical issue within Steam’s pricing system.

Originally, Pico Park: Classic Edition was a simple yet delightful co-op puzzle game allowing up to ten players to work together to overcome various stages. Its minimalistic visuals and teamwork-based mechanics helped it gain traction among streamers and casual gaming communities. When Tecopark rolled out a major update recently, the game received improved graphics, online multiplayer support, and other modern refinements.

Tecopark had initially planned to make the game free only for a limited time as part of the update promotion, intending to revert it to a paid title later. However, when they tried to change the price back, they discovered that Steam’s system restricts how many times a developer can switch a game’s status between free and paid. As a result, Pico Park: Classic Edition became permanently stuck in the “free” category.

Rather than viewing it as a setback, Tecopark decided to embrace the situation. They announced that the game would remain free indefinitely and promised to continue providing updates at no cost. In their statement, the developers described the situation as a “fortunate accident,” allowing more players worldwide to discover and enjoy Pico Park.

For longtime fans, Tecopark also suggested checking out Pico Park 2, which expands the cooperative puzzle formula with new challenges and mechanics. The studio hopes that players who fall in love with the free version will naturally be drawn to explore its successor.

This unusual turn of events serves as an interesting case in the indie game world where a technical mishap transformed into a community-building opportunity. Though Tecopark lost potential revenue from sales, the developer gained something arguably more valuable: a growing, enthusiastic player base and wider recognition.

Now, anyone can experience Pico Park: Classic Edition without spending a dime enjoying the cheerful chaos and teamwork that made it a favorite among friends and streamers alike.