Brief description
Game With Balls is a puzzle game designed entirely for gyro controls. The player navigates a ball through handcrafted labyrinths by physically moving the Steam Deck (or a compatible controller). The goal is to complete the levels as quickly as possible, discover secret areas, and compete against other players via Steam leaderboards.
The levels were originally built using real-world materials like wood, drawings, and models, and then digitally recreated. In addition to setting the best time, each level offers extra challenges that add variety. Relaxing (or, depending on your ambition, stressful) original music accompanies the gameplay.
What it's about
- 🧩 Puzzle game with a focus on gyro control
- ⏱️ Time-based challenges and global leaderboards
- 🎮 Handcrafted levels made from real materials
Handheld Notes (Steam Deck)
Game With Balls was developed specifically for the Steam Deck and can only be played using gyro controls. Keyboard and mouse are not supported, nor are traditional controllers without gyro capabilities. The PS5 and Switch Pro controllers were among those tested.
According to the developers and user reports, the game runs at a stable 60 FPS on the Steam Deck and achieves a battery life of around 5 hours. Its short, level-based gameplay makes it particularly well-suited for short sessions on the go.
Note: The handheld rating is based on information from the developer and user reports.
Notable reviews
"A gyro-first puzzle game that truly understands the Steam Deck. Game With Balls is built entirely around motion controls and runs flawlessly at a locked 60 FPS, delivering nearly 5 hours of battery."
- Steam Flow
Developer
Game With Balls comes from Geert Verhoeff, an indie developer specializing in games specifically designed for the Steam Deck and alternative input methods.
Geert is also the developer of Better with a Friend, another cooperative game that was also specifically developed for the Steam Deck and is designed for short, shared sessions.
Steam Developer Page: https://store.steampowered.com/developer/geertverhoeff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geertjanverhoeff/
Better with a Friend (Steam): https://store.steampowered.com/app/2943100/Better_With_A_Friend/
Website of the Developer: https://geertverhoeff.com/
Price & Demos
Both games are deliberately priced low and therefore easily accessible:
Game With Balls : €5.89
Better with a Friend : €3.99
Free demos are available on Steam for both titles, allowing players to try out the game concept before purchasing.
(Prices as of the time of publication of this article.)
Facts
- Genre: Puzzle
- Platforms: PC (Steam Deck / Gyro Controller)
- Release status: Published
- Developer: Geert Verhoeff
- Store: Game With Balls on Steam
Why we're putting indie games in the spotlight
With the 5 Minute Indie Spotlights, we want to highlight smaller developers and games that often go unnoticed in everyday life - especially when they are well suited for handhelds like the Steam Deck.
The focus is not on ratings or hype, but on a brief, objective assessment from a handheld perspective.
