The Longest Walk
The Longest Walk is a deeply personal biographical walking simulator game about my father’s experience of living with depression and suicidal thoughts. The game was created using audio recorded from a 54-minute-long interview that I conducted with my dad, which was then edited into this approximately 9-and-a-half minute long playable experience.
The aim for this game is to help reduce feelings of isolation and encourage those who are struggling with depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts to reach out for help. Through my father’s sharing of his personal experience in an open and frank manner, this game seeks to raise awareness of and provide an insight into what it is like living with depression in order to provoke discussion and help tackle the stigma about opening-up about mental health issues.
Whilst my father’s experience and the locations depicted in the game are specific to him, the thoughts, feelings, and message conveyed through his recollection of lived experience are universal.
This free game is part of a series of documentary-inspired biographical game prototypes that I am developing for my PhD at Abertay University – Funded by The Northwood Charitable Trust – and was inspired by games such as Dear Esther (The Chinese Room), Actual Sunlight (WZOGI), and That Dragon, Cancer (Numinous Games). This game is published under the Abertay Game Lab practice-based research group.
Game Discussion
Steam User 5
I feel that there are really two different ways of looking at this game, and either of them is fair depending on what you are looking for out of this title.
I'm a big fan of "walking simulators," because I like exploring a space and getting to know characters and watching a story unravel at my fingertips. As a walking simulator, you really do not get any of those things out of this title. Honestly, I do not think it is even correct to lump this in with other walking sims. If you are looking for a walking sim that checks all of those boxes and explores very similar subject matter, I would heartily suggest "When the Darkness Comes," which is also free on steam.
Another way of looking at this, though, is as something of a museum exhibit. It is a guided tour with minimal visuals that nonetheless effectively explores a very personal story about dealing with persistent negative self talk and feelings of worthlessness. It is a story that I am glad is getting told. Personally, I envy the narrator for finding his way out of it and for gaining the perspective that he has and it seems to have made him a stronger person for it. Not everyone's struggle will follow the same path, but it is nice to see one of us make it out.
Steam User 2
It's interesting seeing the same problem in someone else's prespective. One problem that originated from a different source and yet still feels so familiar. For now, still walking.
Steam User 2
Absolutely touched by this game, even cried about it. The author shows the story of his father that went through depression. I really recommend it
Steam User 2
While it is a short game, it is unforgettable. Walking through the dialogue felt like stepping into someone’s soul...vulnerable, human, and real. It's a reminder that even the smallest steps forward can carry immense strength.
Steam User 2
I wouldn't change anything about this game, and the fact that it's free and less than 30 minutes to complete means it's a must-play for almost everyone (except people that have never experienced sorrow in their life, I guess).
Steam User 3
This game was developed the way i see it to bring awareness to people with suicidal depression.
I am glad i dont have this issue personally yes ive had bad days yes i have thought the world is closing in and i cant see a way out but ive always managed and from the passed i always look at the current and go.. Ive been through something like this ill be okay.
If you want to know play this its roughly 10 minutes. the visual art is BRILLIANT i must say the first thing i noticed. Then was the audio with subtitles (i like to read it)
To the dev thank you for this i hope this helps many people and hope your family is okay.
Personally never understood why people take their lives i always saw it as selfish but the older i get the more i understand.
I am 40 and ive been through lots in life since a young child father died at 7 (not suicide) and that can take a tol on anyone. I have 2 daughters and they the happiest kids ive ever known (sure they have their days) but this is partly why one would stay awake to see it all. (That and im curious what its like to live a full life anyway and enjoy watching people grow)
Steam User 1
I think this game is a wonderfully emotional experience. It helps you to put things into perspective and reflect on your life and what's really important. Also, I think it really helps people who do not suffer from depression to understand what it feels like to be afflicted by this illness, thereby destigmatizing it.
Give it a try! It's free and only takes around 15 minutes to complete.