Indie game developer thechineseroom will release their newest creation Dear Esther on February 14 through Steam's online store. Originally developed as a free Source engine, the game now offers players the chance to experience the story of a shipwreck survivor whose voiced-over letter fragments to the aforementioned Esther accompany the player as they wander around on a mysterious island.
Unlike contemporary video games, Dear Esther does not present the player with any objectives or missions; players can't even interact with the environment beyond the use of a flashlight that automatically turns on in dark areas. What Dear Esther does provide is the opportunity to enjoy a well paced, poetic narrative that accompanies the visually stunning landscape of the island. Dear Esther is not for everyone, but those who want to experience an innovative new approach towards what video games can provide should give it a shot.
Goal-Free Video Games
Dear Esther is a Game Based Solely on Poetry With no Challenges
Trend Themes
1. Goal-free Video Games - A trend in the video game industry where games are based solely on narrative and exploration rather than traditional objectives and challenges
2. Narrative-driven Gaming - A trend in the gaming industry where emphasis is placed on story and character development
3. Interactive Art - A trend in the art world where video games are being recognized as a new form of interactive art
Industry Implications
1. Video Gaming - The video game industry has an opportunity to innovate by creating games that prioritize storytelling over traditional objectives and challenges
2. Arts and Culture - The arts and culture industry can explore the capacity of interactive games to be considered a form of immersive art experience
3. Technology - The technology industry can innovate by creating platforms and tools that allow for more experimental and narrative-driven games to be developed