Dark space



The dark space is the empty space between the two doors of the two-doors puzzle.

According to Davey, this space represents the state of mind someone is in when trying to move on from their past (hence the fact that, after closing the first door, you cannot go back) but hasn't fully done so - if you are in this dark space, it means that the next door isn't open (as you'd have no reason to stay there if it is).

Davey explains that this is Coda's mind state when finishing a map and moving on to the next, with the dark space symbolizing the interim period where you distance yourself, reflect and start anew into the next step.

Coda does not offer any direct explanations for this concept (or, in fact, any other). However, references to the dark space from dialogue options in Down suggest that it may be a preferred place or reward that the player is allowed to stay in as long as they want, rather than a place they "have to move on" from.

The dark space is central to the narrative, being found in one form or another in many of the game's themes and levels. It can be seen, for example, as a direct antithesis to the lampposts, whose sole purpose is to illuminate a dark area - and as such the dark space is also a metaphor for Coda himself, which Davey tries to shine a spotlight on and bring his own interpretations and experience up as he talks to the player.