Depression Quest
| Depression Quest | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Zoe Quinn |
| Platform(s) | Steam |
| Release | August 2014 |
| Genre(s) | Text-based video game |
Depression Quest is a 2013[1] interactive fiction dealing with the subject of depression. It was developed by Zoe Quinn with the Twine engine, and was released on Steam in August 2014[2][3], one of many released through its Greenlight program. The game attempts to bridge the gap in understanding between sufferers and non-sufferers of depression. Non-sufferers are shown the burden of living with the affliction, and sufferers are shown that depression is not something that has to be suffered alone.[4]
The game was released shortly after the death of American actor Robin Williams. Following his suicide, Quinn considered not releasing it, but eventually decided to release it for free.[2] Quinn, however, decided not to promote the game "until a respectful time later".[2]
Gameplay
Depression Quest is an interactive fiction written in the style of a Choose Your Own Adventure book.[5] The story is conveyed primarily through the medium of text, occasionally interspersed with still images,[6] and accompanied by atmospheric music.[7] Players assume the role of a depression sufferer, and the story centers around their daily life, their relationships, their work, and possible treatment options.[6] Players are periodically faced with choices that alter the course of the story. To make a choice, the player must click on the corresponding hyperlink.[5] However, choices are often greyed out and cannot be clicked on, a mechanism that Depression Quest uses to portray the character's mental state and how logical decisions may not be available to them.[7]
Reception
Response to the game has been particularly polarizing since its release on Steam, receiving high marks from the likes of Giant Bomb[8] and Rock Paper Shotgun[9] praising it for its writing, with the latter describing it as a "game as communication, comfort and tool of understanding." Depression Quest was one of many games IndieCade included at their 2013 festival as part of their "Night Games" selections.[10]
References
- ^ "Depression Quest for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ a b c Thier, Dave (August 14, 2014). "'Depression Quest' Free In Wake Of Robin Williams' Suicide". Forbes. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
- ^ Robertson, Adi (August 15, 2014). "Play this: 'Bad Paper,' a journalistic choose your own adventure story about debt collection". Yahoo News. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ Williams, Katie (August 14, 2014). "Depression Quest Now Available for Free on Steam". IGN. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
- ^ a b Orland, Kyle (August 22, 2014). "What Depression Quest taught me about dealing with mental illness". Ars Technica. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ a b "'Depression Quest' Now Available on Steam". Game Politics. August 13, 2014. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ a b Vazquez, Jessica (August 14, 2014). "Why Depression Quest Matters". Game Revolution. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ Klepek, Patrick (April 10, 2013). "They Made a Game That Understands Me". Giant Bomb. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ Smith, Adam (February 14, 2013). "Mostly Indescribable: Depression Quest". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
- ^ "IndieCade Night Games". Retrieved August 23, 2014.
External links
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