The game is described as a "minimalistic platformer", using electronic music to create synesthesia as the player makes their way through four different levels, each with their own soundtrack.

[1][3] The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linux in October 2013, on Xbox One in August 2016, on PlayStation 4 and Wii U in September 2016, and Nintendo Switch in January 2020.

The idea originally grew from his attempt at an old school platformer, akin to Mega Man, that involved throwing a ball that would travel in straight lines and bounce off walls to trigger effects.

[7] Carlsen had worked on the title for about two years, and enlisted the help of Jakob Schmid, a college friend and fellow employee at Playdead,[7] who created all music and sound for the game, and Niels Fyrst and Andreas Peiterson for art.

Club's Gameological Society called 140 "a tightly paced and clever game of precise timing and jumping" and praised its minimalist structure that allows the player to focus on the rhythm and gameplay.