Critical Play: Walking Simulators — Firewatch

Firewatch is a first-person adventure game developed by Campo Santo and released in 2016 for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game’s target audience is likely mature gamers who enjoy narrative-driven experiences and exploration.

In Firewatch, players assume the role of a fire lookout named Henry, who has taken the job to escape his personal problems. The game is played alone, and the player’s objective is to explore the wilderness, maintain communication with a supervisor named Delilah via walkie-talkie, and investigate strange occurrences in the forest. The game’s critical formal elements include non-linear exploration, dialogue choices, and a sense of realism.

The game’s inspiration questions revolve around the kind of fun it provides and what makes it compelling. The game’s success lies in its ability to create a sense of immersion through a captivating story, realistic dialogue, and gorgeous visuals. Firewatch’s game mechanics are not unique, but they serve the story by allowing players to uncover secrets and slowly unravel the mystery at their own pace. However, the game could benefit from additional replay value and more meaningful player choices.

Firewatch stands out from other games in its genre by prioritizing storytelling over gameplay mechanics. It immerses players in a personal and emotional story, and the game’s mechanics support this by allowing players to explore the environment and uncover clues. Firewatch is a great example of a game that takes advantage of its medium to tell a compelling story and engage players.

Walking is an essential component of Firewatch’s narrative. The game’s vast, open environment encourages players to explore, and the act of walking through the wilderness creates a sense of solitude and introspection that mirrors Henry’s journey. The game’s story is driven by the player’s exploration, and the sense of discovery that walking through the forest provides. Additionally, walking serves as a pacing mechanism, allowing the story to unfold slowly as players explore and uncover clues. By making walking the primary method of exploration, Firewatch encourages players to engage with the environment and immerse themselves in the story.