For my Critical Play, I spent time analyzing Dear Esther which was developed by Chinese Room as a first-person exploration game of a deserted island in the outer Hebrides. I would say that the target audience is anyone who loves a good story, one that evokes emotion and is wrapped in mystery and some heartbreak. Because it is not very involved mechanically and isn’t flashy, I would argue that the target audience is likely older and more mature; players need to be happy to simply maneuver around for the discovery and uncovering of story as opposed to gaining points or winning.
Walking is the means by which you discover the island and more of the story unfolds. When you get to different parts of the island, a man’s voice (and text on the screen) begins to play. This is the voice of an old man who is writing letters to his deceased wife and telling her more about the island and its history. Walking facilitates discovering new places on the island – whether that’s an abandoned shack or a cave – that you then learn even more about via the man’s voice.
I would say that Dear Esther facilitates the fun of narrative and discovery. It tells stories about both the older couple as well as the island and those who once inhabited it. There is a wistful and eerie feel as you walk around and learn more and more about the speaker and the history of the place that you are walking around. The more you learn, the more you want to know and discover about the place. You can’t help but keep walking so that you find a new place and learn interesting things about that place and people who once walked the same ground that you are now on. The lack of light and need for a flashlight contribute even more to this feeling of discovery and the need to uncover something. There is mystery in the air and a need to keep going so as not to miss another interesting story. Walking as the method of discovery also contributes to me feeling fully encompassed by the game; it draws me in and makes me believe that I’m on that island and on a mission to learn as much as I can.
I can’t think of anything I would change. This kind of game is new to me, but I actually really enjoyed the process of discovery. I appreciate the simplicity of the game and the way the allure and mystery of the island and the stories told draw you in deeper and keep you walking around to learn more. It exists to cause players to feel something through the use of story, and I think it works!
