# Self-Exploring Indie Games 'the earth is a better person than me' is a Progressive Visual Novel By Justin Lam | Published 2018-09-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-earth-is-a-better-person-than-me References: [indiegames](http://indiegames.com/2018/08/the_earth_is_a_better_person_t.html) & [karastone.itch.io](https://karastone.itch.io/the-earth-is-a-better-person-than-me) Structured as an [indie game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lynked-banner-of-the-spark)/[visual novel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shape-of-dreams), 'the earth is a better person than me' explores self and sexuality through communing with nature. Following a character named Delphine, players watch as she communicates with various elements, delving into aspects of sexuality, self-worth, and personal thoughts. Players can choose which elements to commune with first, with each force navigating different aspects of Delphine's personality and places she has left behind. 'the earth is a better person than me' inhabits an interesting space in modern gaming as it utilizes elements of traditional storytelling, coupled with [player interaction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dragon-snacks-games), to create a distinct experience. The elements of play help to draw players into the self-exploration and aim to offer a personal journey of exploration of personal identity and sexual representation. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Indie Game/visual Novel Fusion:** Opportunity for game developers to create unique storytelling experiences by combining interactive gameplay elements with traditional storytelling. - **Exploration of Self and Sexuality:** Chance for artists and storytellers to tackle personal themes of identity and sexuality in a thought-provoking and immersive way. - **Personalized Narrative Experiences:** Potential for game designers to allow players to shape their own journey and explore different aspects of a character's personality. ### Where This Applies - **Video Game Industry:** Gamemakers can tap into the growing demand for innovative and unique gaming experiences that cater to diverse themes and narratives. - **Art and Entertainment Industry:** Artists and creators have a platform to express personal and intimate stories related to self-exploration and sexuality through mediums like visual novels and indie games. - **Interactive Storytelling Sector:** Opportunity for companies specializing in interactive storytelling to collaborate with game developers and explore new ways of engaging audiences in a narrative-driven experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self Exploration Art Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicory-a-colorful-tale.md) - [Stimulating Audio-Visual Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/periphery-synthetic.md) - [Casual Nature-Inspired Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garden-of-the-sea.md) - [Cozy Meditative Digital Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simpler-times.md) - [Narrative Alien Simulations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-earth-life-simulation.md) - [Impactful Gaming Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanity-games.md) - [Immersive Genre-Bending Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-of-blackveil.md) - [Intricately Designed Lush Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kunitsugami-path-of-the-goddess-1.md) - [Mysterious Platformer Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elypse.md)