Traveling while staying in our homes. Exploring the world, having fun, living new experiences, even while the pandemic limits our travels.
How is this possible? This is thanks to immersive and accessible video games that are interactive escapes which bring players to different parts of the planet, putting them in someone else’s shoes to explore the world through their eyes.
The choices are big and each game infuses different emotions while it is possible to discover distinct details of the places.
Are you ready? Here are some suggestions.
You can go to Beijing: this interactive experience, shot when China began its lockdown in January 2020, is a “playable documentary,” has players tag along with a food courier in Beijing.
Out For Delivery, by Yuxin Gao, Lillyan Ling, and Gus Boehling.
You can go to the Dutch countryside with your grandmother: in this game you and your grandma can take a long walk in the lush woods looking for some mushrooms. In this case the natural landscape is rendered in abstract artwork.
Lieve Oma, by Florian Veltman.
Do you feel nostalgic? You can put yourself in the author’s shoes and visit old Detroit, reliving his childhood. This game uses real personal photos and videos to create its strong sense of place.
From Home Movie, by Bryan LeBeuf and James Daniello
You can embark on an immersive road trip through the western coast of Italy during the roaring 1970’s: this road trip puts you on the Aurelia road while a multiple-choice back-and-forth dialogue reveals your lives and Italy’s political tumult. Detours can be made and there are 16 possible endings. You’ll find different story possibilities through dialogue options and where you choose to drive.
From Wheels of Aurelia, by Santa Ragione
Would you like to know what it is like to be in the midst of the 2019 protests in Hong Kong? This is your game: the sights, sounds, and stresses feel gritty and real and the sense of immersion is incredible, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Free Hong Kong, by Unnamed Protester
These are just a few suggestions but the possibilities are truly many.
So what are you waiting for? Have a good trip … staying home!
