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{{Short description|2021 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Unpacking
| title = Unpacking
| image = Unpacking game cover.png
| image = Unpacking game cover.png
| developer = Witch Beam
| developer = [[Witch Beam]]
| publisher = [[Humble Bundle]]
| publisher = [[Humble Bundle]]
| director = Wren Brier
| director = Wren Brier
| producer = {{ubl|Kip Bunyea|Erika Mariko Olsen}}
| designer = Wren Brier<br>Tim Dawson
| designer = {{ubl|Wren Brier|Tim Dawson}}
| programmer = Tim Dawson
| composer = [[Jeff van Dyck]]
| composer = [[Jeff van Dyck]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}}
| platforms = {{cslist|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[iOS]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[Linux]]|[[Nintendo Switch|Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}}
| released = '''PC''', '''Switch''', '''Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 2, 2021}}'''PlayStation 4''', '''PlayStation 5'''{{vgrelease|WW|May 10, 2022}}
| released = '''Windows, Switch, Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 2, 2021}}'''PS4, PS5'''{{vgrelease|WW|May 10, 2022}}'''iOS''', '''Android'''{{vgrelease|WW|August 24, 2023}}
| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]]
| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
}}


'''''Unpacking''''' is a [[puzzle video game]] developed by [[Witch Beam]] and published by [[Humble Bundle]] for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]]. The game received positive reviews upon release and won several awards, including two [[British Academy Games Awards|BAFTA Game Awards]] and being named game of the year by [[Eurogamer]].
'''''Unpacking''''' is a [[puzzle video game]] developed by [[Witch Beam]] and published by [[Humble Bundle]] for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Linux]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[PlayStation 5]]. The game received positive reviews, and won several awards, including two [[British Academy Games Awards|BAFTA Games Awards]], a [[D.I.C.E. Awards|D.I.C.E. Award]] for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game|Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game]], and Game of the Year by ''[[Eurogamer]]''.


==Summary==
== Gameplay ==
The game is divided into stages named by the years in which they take place: 1997, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. The gameplay in each stage comprises unpacking a female character's possessions from boxes into a new dwelling, representing significant life events. The player is tasked with fitting each unpacked item into the living space, learning the protagonist's life story through her items and the places she lives.<ref name="GSpot"/>
The game is divided into stages<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tran |first=Edmond |date=November 2, 2021 |title=Unpacking Review - A poignant reflection on the ups and downs of life |url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/reviews/unpacking-review-a-poignant-reflection-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-life-6560/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223045510/https://www.gameshub.com/news/reviews/unpacking-review-a-poignant-reflection-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-life-6560/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=GamesHub}}</ref> named by the years in which they take place: 1997, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. In each stage, the player unpacks a female character's possessions from boxes into a new dwelling. Each unpacked item must be fit into the living space, learning the unseen and unnamed protagonist's life story through her possessions and the places she lives.<ref name="GSpot"/> Some items have designated places they must be put into in order to complete the stage. There are a total of 35 rooms across all dwellings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Intimacy from the inanimate in house-moving puzzler ''Unpacking'' |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/intimacy-from-the-inanimate-in-house-moving-puzzler-unpacking |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223042206/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/intimacy-from-the-inanimate-in-house-moving-puzzler-unpacking |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]]}}</ref>


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== Development ==
Unpacking has a [[hi-res]] [[pixel art]] style and the sound design includes over 14,000 foley effects, with multiple pick-up and placement sound effects unique to each item.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hit Puzzle Game Unpacking Features 14,000 (!) Audio Files Replicating Ordinary Sounds|url=https://kotaku.com/hit-puzzle-game-unpacking-features-14-000-audio-fil-1848000220|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Kotaku|language=en-us}}</ref> The game consists of eight stages<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-01|title=Unpacking Review - A poignant reflection on the ups and downs of life|url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/reviews/unpacking-review-a-poignant-reflection-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-life-6560/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=GamesHub|language=en-AU}}</ref> made up of a total of 35 rooms.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|date=2021-11-16|title=Intimacy from the inanimate in house-moving puzzler Unpacking|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/intimacy-from-the-inanimate-in-house-moving-puzzler-unpacking|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Game Developer|language=en}}</ref>
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[[File:Unpacking wins Best Audio - GDCA 2022.jpg|thumb|left|The development team accepting Best Audio at the [[22nd Game Developers Choice Awards]]]]


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''Unpacking'' was developed by Witch Beam, an independent game studio based in [[Brisbane]], Australia. The studio was founded in 2013 and had previously released ''[[Assault Android Cactus]]'', a [[twin-stick shooter]], in 2015. The game was first conceptualized by Wren Brier when she moved in with her partner, Witch Beam co-director Tim Dawson, in early 2018. She found that unpacking unlabelled boxes, not knowing what is stored inside, was an experience that could be translated into a video game. The two participated in the Stugan games accelerator program in Sweden, and the game entered full production in early 2019.
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==Development==
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[[File:Unpacking wins Best Audio - GDCA 2022.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Unpacking'' development team accepting Best Audio at the [[22nd Game Developers Choice Awards]]]]


''Unpacking'' is mostly a wordless experience, with the narrative mainly told through objects the player unpacks from boxes.<ref name="gameshub">{{Cite web |last=Button |first=Chris |date=November 2, 2021 |title=The making of Unpacking: From bullet-hell to domestic heaven |url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/features/the-making-of-unpacking-from-bullet-hell-to-domestic-heaven-6597/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108050828/https://www.gameshub.com/news/features/the-making-of-unpacking-from-bullet-hell-to-domestic-heaven-6597/ |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=GamesHub}}</ref> The team put a lot of thought into making ''Unpacking''{{'}}s accessible: The nearly wordless nature of the game ensures that anyone who may have language or comprehension barriers can still enjoy playing the game, and many additional accessibility features were implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bayliss |first=Ben |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Unpacking Accessibility Review |url=https://caniplaythat.com/2021/11/01/unpacking-accessibility-review-can-i-play-that-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217155731/https://caniplaythat.com/2021/11/01/unpacking-accessibility-review-can-i-play-that-pc/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=Can I Play That? |language=en-US}}</ref>
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''Unpacking'' was developed by Witch Beam, an independent game studio based in [[Brisbane]], Australia. The studio was founded in 2013 and had previously released ''[[Assault Android Cactus]]'', a [[twin-stick shooter]], in 2015. The game was first conceptualized by game director Wren Brier when she moved in with her husband and studio founder Tim Dawson in early 2018. She found that unpacking unlabelled boxes, not knowing what is stored inside, an experience that can be translated into a video game. The two participated in the Stugan accelerator program in Sweden, and the game entered full production in early 2019. The team put an extensive amount of time developing ''Unpacking''{{'}}s accessibilty features. ''Unpacking'' is mostly a wordless experience, as the team wanted to ensure that children who may have language or comprehension barrier can still enjoy playing the game. While the game had little to no text, ''Unpacking''{{'}}s narrative is mainly told the objects players unpack from a box, because the team believed that one's possessions and items can inform the players the background and story of their owners.<ref name="gamehub">{{cite web|url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/features/the-making-of-unpacking-from-bullet-hell-to-domestic-heaven-6597/|title=The making of Unpacking: From bullet-hell to domestic heaven|first=Chris|last=Button|work=GamesHub|date=November 2, 2021|accessdate=May 16, 2022}}


The sound design includes over 14,000 foley effects, with multiple pick-up and placement sound effects unique to each item.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Notis |first=Ari |date=November 4, 2021 |title=Hit Puzzle Game Unpacking Features 14,000 (!) Audio Files Replicating Ordinary Sounds |url=https://kotaku.com/hit-puzzle-game-unpacking-features-14-000-audio-fil-1848000220 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104005956/https://kotaku.com/hit-puzzle-game-unpacking-features-14-000-audio-fil-1848000220 |archive-date=January 4, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref>
With the success of ''Assault Android Cactus'', Witch Beam was able to gather more investment funds and met with potential investors. Audience response to the game's early promotion materials was also very positive. However, the scope of the game remained largely unchanged since the game's conception. The team ultimately signed with independent game publisher [[Humble Games]], which allowed the team to retained creative control and ownership over the game's brand. While Witch Beam managed most of the game's social media channels, the team recruited Victoria Tran, the community director of ''[[Among Us]]'', to help operate ''Unpacking''{{'}}s [[Discord (software)|Discord]] channel and [[TikTok]] account.<ref name="gamehub"/> The team initially expected development of the game to last around one and half year, though actual production of the game took significantly longer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-19-how-unpacking-kept-a-steady-heartbeat-after-going-viral-years-before-launch|title=How Unpacking kept a steady heartbeat after going viral years before launch|first=Marie|last=Dealessandri|work=[[Gameindustry.biz]]|date=October 19, 2021|accessdate=April 7, 2022}}</ref> ''Unpacking'' was released for [[personal computer]]s, [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Xbox One]] on November 2, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Beckhelling|first=Imogen|date=2021-11-02|title=Have a chill time moving house in Unpacking, out now|language=en|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-a-chill-time-moving-house-in-unpacking-out-now|access-date=2021-12-23}}</ref> Versions for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]] is set to be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/30/unpacking-moves-to-playstation-consoles-this-spring|title=Unpacking Moves To PlayStation Consoles This Spring|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=March 30, 2022|accessdate=April 7, 2022}}</ref> Physical versions of the game, which will be distributed by [[Limited Run Games]], will also be released in early 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/unpacking-limited-run-games-physical-edition-ps4-ps5-nintendo-switch/|title=Limited Run’s Unpacking physical edition is up for pre-order on Switch, PS4, and PS5|first=Jordan|last=Devore|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=April 1, 2022|accessdate=April 7, 2022}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Release==
While Witch Beam managed most of the game's social media channels, the team recruited Victoria Tran, the community director of ''[[Among Us]]'', to help operate ''Unpacking''{{'}}s [[Discord (software)|Discord]] server and [[TikTok]] account.<ref name="gameshub" /> The team initially expected development of the game to take about a year and a half, though actual production of the game took twice as long.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dealessandri |first=Marie |date=October 19, 2021 |title=How Unpacking kept a steady heartbeat after going viral years before launch |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-19-how-unpacking-kept-a-steady-heartbeat-after-going-viral-years-before-launch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616153443/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-10-19-how-unpacking-kept-a-steady-heartbeat-after-going-viral-years-before-launch |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=[[Gamer Network#Owned brands|GameIndustry.biz]]}}</ref> ''Unpacking'' was released for [[personal computer]]s, [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Xbox One]] on November 2, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beckhelling |first=Imogen |date=November 2, 2021 |title=Have a chill time moving house in Unpacking, out now |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-a-chill-time-moving-house-in-unpacking-out-now |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223045517/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-a-chill-time-moving-house-in-unpacking-out-now |archive-date=December 23, 2021}}</ref> Versions for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]] were released on May 10, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2022 |title=Unpacking for PS5, PS4 launches May 10 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/05/unpacking-for-ps5-ps4-launches-may-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603005917/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/05/unpacking-for-ps5-ps4-launches-may-10 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=September 4, 2022 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Physical versions of the game, published and distributed by [[Limited Run Games]], were available for preorder between March 29 and May 1, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Limited Run's Unpacking physical edition is up for pre-order on Switch, PS4, and PS5 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/unpacking-limited-run-games-physical-edition-ps4-ps5-nintendo-switch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329213953/https://www.destructoid.com/unpacking-limited-run-games-physical-edition-ps4-ps5-nintendo-switch/ |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=[[Destructoid]]}}</ref>
===Critical reception===

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (NS) 86/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/unpacking |title=Unpacking for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref><br>(PC) 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unpacking |title=Unpacking for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref><br>(XONE) 81/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/unpacking |title=Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref>
| MC = PC: 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unpacking/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Unpacking for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220322072613/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unpacking |archive-date= March 22, 2022}}</ref><br/>NS: 86/100<ref name="MCNS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unpacking/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Unpacking for Switch Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220608204245/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/unpacking |archive-date= June 8, 2022}}</ref><br/>XONE: 81/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unpacking/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one|title=Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220322072610/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/unpacking |archive-date= March 22, 2022}}</ref><br/>PS5: 84/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/unpacking/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Unpacking for PlayStation 5 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 19, 2022 |url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220606033911/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/unpacking |archive-date= June 6, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last=Petite |first=Steven |date=November 1, 2021 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/unpacking-review-the-things-we-carry/1900-6417774/ |title=Unpacking Review - The Things We Carry |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref>
| EZA = 8.5/10<ref name="EZA">{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Brandon|url=https://easyallies.com/#!/review/unpacking|title=Review: Unpacking|website=[[Easy Allies]]|date=November 2, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|last=LeBoeuf|first=Sarah|date=2021-11-01|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/unpacking-review|title=Unpacking Review|website=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2021-12-23}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GSpot">{{Cite web|last=Petite|first=Steven|date=November 1, 2021|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/unpacking-review-the-things-we-carry/1900-6417774/|title=Unpacking Review - The Things We Carry|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220512211550/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/unpacking-review-the-things-we-carry/1900-6417774/ |archive-date= May 12, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref name="NLife">{{cite web|last=Ingram|first=Roland|date=2021-11-10|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/unpacking|url-status=live|title=Review: Unpacking - An Emotive Experience, Beautifully Packaged On Switch|website=Nintendo Life|accessdate=2021-12-23}}</ref>
| HCG = 4/5<ref name="HCG">{{Cite web|last=LeClair|first=Kyle|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-unpacking/413612/|title=Review: Unpacking|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220609205419/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-unpacking/413612/ |archive-date= June 9, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| TG = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="TG">{{cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=November 9, 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/nov/09/unpacking-review-moving-house-has-never-been-so-moving |title=Unpacking review – moving house has never been so moving |website=[[The Guardian]] |accessdate=February 13, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref name="IGN">{{Cite web|last=LeBoeuf|first=Sarah|date=November 1, 2021|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/unpacking-review|title=Unpacking Review|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220316094311/https://www.ign.com/articles/unpacking-review |archive-date= March 16, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref name="NLife">{{Cite web|last=Ingram|first=Roland|date=November 10, 2021|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/unpacking|title=Unpacking Review (Switch eShop)|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220330110348/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/unpacking |archive-date= March 30, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
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| TA = 4.5/5<ref name="TA">{{cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=2021-11-02 |url=https://toucharcade.com/2021/11/02/switcharcade-round-up-reviews-featuring-dusk-and-dungeon-encounters-plus-the-latest-releases-and-sales/ |title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'DUSK' and 'Dungeon Encounters', Plus the Latest Releases and Sales |website=[[TouchArcade]] |accessdate=2021-12-23}}</ref>
| NWR = 6.5/10<ref name="NWR">{{Cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/58849/unpacking-switch-review|title=Unpacking (Switch) Review|website=Nintendo World Report|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220708132117/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/58849/unpacking-switch-review |archive-date= July 8, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| PSQ = {{Rating|8|10}}<ref name="PSQ">{{Cite web|last=Banas|first=Graham|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/unpacking|title=Mini Review: Unpacking (PS5) - Making Chores Fun|website=[[Push Square]]|date=May 12, 2022|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220606033916/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/unpacking?utm_source=pushsquare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=review-notification |archive-date= June 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| SN = 7/10<ref name="SN">{{Cite web|last=Mejia|first=Ozzie|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/127454/unpacking-review-does-it-spark-joy|title=Unpacking review: Does it spark joy?|website=[[Shacknews]]|date=November 2, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220213212414/https://www.shacknews.com/article/127454/unpacking-review-does-it-spark-joy |archive-date= February 13, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| TG = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="TG">{{Cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=November 9, 2021|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/nov/09/unpacking-review-moving-house-has-never-been-so-moving|title=Unpacking review – moving house has never been so moving|website=[[The Guardian]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group|Guardian Media group plc]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220803014756/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2021/nov/09/unpacking-review-moving-house-has-never-been-so-moving |archive-date= August 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
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| TA = 4.5/5<ref name="TA">{{Cite web|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=November 2, 2021|url=https://toucharcade.com/2021/11/02/switcharcade-round-up-reviews-featuring-dusk-and-dungeon-encounters-plus-the-latest-releases-and-sales/|title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'DUSK' and 'Dungeon Encounters', Plus the Latest Releases and Sales|website=[[TouchArcade]]|access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220525170900/https://toucharcade.com/2021/11/02/switcharcade-round-up-reviews-featuring-dusk-and-dungeon-encounters-plus-the-latest-releases-and-sales/ |archive-date= May 25, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}


''Unpacking'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCNS"/><ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCXONE"/> The game received positive reviews from ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'',<ref>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/unpacking-review Review], [[Rock Paper Shotgun]]</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'',<ref name="GSpot"/> [[Eurogamer]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hetfeld|first=Malindy|date=2021-11-01|title=Unpacking review - incredibly satisfying tidy-'em-up|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-01-unpacking-review-incredibly-satisfying-tidy-em-up|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref> [[Nintendo Life]],<ref name="NLife"/> ''[[IGN]]'',<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[Kotaku]]'',<ref>[https://kotaku.com/unpacking-the-kotaku-review-1847994273 Review], [[Kotaku]]</ref> ''[[TouchArcade]]'',<ref name="TG"/> It sold over 100,000 copies across all platforms in its first ten days.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|date=2021-12-14|title=Unpacking topped 100k sales in 10 days|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-unpacking-i-topped-100k-sales-in-10-days|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Game Developer|language=en}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' praised it for its innovative narrative,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=2021-12-22|title=7 innovative video game moments that pushed game design forward in 2021|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/7-innovative-video-game-moments-that-pushed-game-design-forward-in-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Games Radar+|language=en}}</ref> and it was awarded a ''Can I Play That?'' award for its [[accessibility]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-13|title=Can I Play That? Accessibility Awards 2021 — The Winners|url=https://caniplaythat.com/2021/12/13/can-i-play-that-accessibility-awards-2021-the-winners/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Can I Play That?|language=en-US}}</ref> The game was nominated for Game of the Year at the [[Gayming Awards]] 2022 and won Best LGBTQ Indie Game and Authentic Representation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gayming Awards 2022 - Gayming Magazine |url=https://gaymingmag.com/awards/ |access-date=2022-03-07 |website=gaymingmag.com}}</ref>
''Unpacking'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCNS"/><ref name="MCXONE"/><ref name="MCPS5"/> The game received positive reviews from ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Alice |date=November 9, 2021 |title=Unpacking review: the exact same joy as unwrapping a kinder egg and building the toy inside |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/unpacking-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324205355/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/unpacking-review |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'',<ref name="GSpot"/> ''[[Eurogamer]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hetfeld |first=Malindy |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Unpacking review - incredibly satisfying tidy-'em-up |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-01-unpacking-review-incredibly-satisfying-tidy-em-up |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324194821/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-11-01-unpacking-review-incredibly-satisfying-tidy-em-up |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Life]]'',<ref name="NLife"/> ''[[IGN]]'',<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[Kotaku]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=November 4, 2021 |title=''Unpacking'': The ''Kotaku'' Review |url=https://kotaku.com/unpacking-the-kotaku-review-1847994273 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324022911/https://kotaku.com/unpacking-the-kotaku-review-1847994273 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Kotaku]] |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[TouchArcade]]''.<ref name="TG" /> It sold over 100,000 copies across all platforms in its first ten days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=December 14, 2021 |title=''Unpacking'' topped 100k sales in 10 days |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-unpacking-i-topped-100k-sales-in-10-days |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514104718/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-unpacking-i-topped-100k-sales-in-10-days |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]]}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' praised it for its innovative narrative,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=December 22, 2021 |title=7 innovative video game moments that pushed game design forward in 2021 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/7-innovative-video-game-moments-that-pushed-game-design-forward-in-2021/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514111447/https://www.gamesradar.com/7-innovative-video-game-moments-that-pushed-game-design-forward-in-2021/ |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |url-status=live}}</ref> and it was awarded a ''Can I Play That?'' award for its [[accessibility]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2021 |title=Can I Play That? Accessibility Awards 2021 — The Winners |url=https://caniplaythat.com/2021/12/13/can-i-play-that-accessibility-awards-2021-the-winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217155707/https://caniplaythat.com/2021/12/13/can-i-play-that-accessibility-awards-2021-the-winners/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=[[Can I Play That?]] |url-status=live}}</ref> The game was nominated for Game of the Year at the [[Gayming Awards]] 2022 and won Best LGBTQ Indie Game and Authentic Representation.<ref name="GA">{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Gayming Awards 2022 |url=https://gaymingmag.com/awards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421024732/https://gaymingmag.com/awards/ |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Gayming Magazine]] |publisher=Gray Jones Media Ltd |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Unpacking'' also won 2 IGDA Global Industry Game Awards in 2022. One for 2D Animation and another for 2D Environment Art.<ref name="IGDA">{{Cite web |title=2022 IGDA Global Industry Game Awards Winners Announced – IGDA |url=https://igda.org/news-archive/2022-igda-global-industry-game-awards-winners-announced/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205194354/https://igda.org/news-archive/2022-igda-global-industry-game-awards-winners-announced/ |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022 |language=en-US |url-status=live}}</ref>


⚫
=== Awards ===
Unpacking was named one of the best video games of 2021 by multiple publications, including [[The New Yorker]],<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Simon|first=Parkin|date=2021-12-12|title=The Best Video Games of 2021|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2021-in-review/the-best-video-games-of-2021|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times|LA Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-14|title=The 10 essential games of 2021 that helped us define who we are now|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-12-14/best-games-of-2021|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gardner|first=Matt|title=The Top 10 Indie Games Of 2021 On Consoles And PC, Ranked|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2021/12/21/the-top-10-indie-games-of-2021-ranked/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Financial Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|last=Faber|first=Tom|date=2021-12-20|title=Top 10 games of 2021|work=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1f34c226-cbb4-4c23-8b54-6227292d4fca|access-date=2021-12-23}}</ref> ''[[CNET]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fillari|first=Alessandro|title=CNET's 2021 Game of the Year awards|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/cnets-2021-game-of-the-year-awards/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref> ''[[NME]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-06|title=The 20 best games of 2021|url=https://www.nme.com/features/nme-best-games-of-the-year-2021-3111730|access-date=2021-12-23|website=NME|language=en-GB}}</ref> and ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-12-10|title=The 50 best video games of 2021|url=https://www.polygon.com/c/22796149/the-50-best-games-of-2021|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-23|website=Polygon|language=en-US}}</ref> ''Eurogamer'' selected ''Unpacking'' as their [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/eurogamers-game-of-the-year-is|title=Eurogamer's game of the year is…|first=Martin|last=Robinson|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=December 30, 2021|accessdate=April 7, 2022}}</ref>
''Unpacking'' was named one of the best video games of 2021 by ''[[The New Yorker]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=December 12, 2021 |title=The Best Video Games of 2021 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2021-in-review/the-best-video-games-of-2021 |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512165927/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2021-in-review/the-best-video-games-of-2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martens |first=Todd |date=December 14, 2021 |title=The 10 essential games of 2021 that helped us define who we are now |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-12-14/best-games-of-2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221175008/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-12-14/best-games-of-2021 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Matt |date=December 21, 2021 |title=The Top 10 Indie Games Of 2021 On Consoles And PC, Ranked |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2021/12/21/the-top-10-indie-games-of-2021-ranked/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409194627/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2021/12/21/the-top-10-indie-games-of-2021-ranked/ |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[Forbes]] |url-status=live}}</ref> the ''[[Financial Times]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Faber |first=Tom |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Top 10 games of 2021 |newspaper=[[Financial Times]] |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1f34c226-cbb4-4c23-8b54-6227292d4fca |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220050820/https://www.ft.com/content/1f34c226-cbb4-4c23-8b54-6227292d4fca |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[CNET]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fillari |first=Alessandro |date=December 17, 2021 |title=CNET's 2021 Game of the Year awards |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/cnets-2021-game-of-the-year-awards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223042205/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/cnets-2021-game-of-the-year-awards/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=[[CNET]] |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[NME]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2021 |title=The 20 best games of 2021 |url=https://www.nme.com/features/nme-best-games-of-the-year-2021-3111730 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214230044/https://www.nme.com/features/nme-best-games-of-the-year-2021-3111730 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=[[NME]] |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Eurogamer'' selected ''Unpacking'' as their [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=December 30, 2021 |title=Eurogamer's game of the year is… |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/eurogamers-game-of-the-year-is |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407110652/https://www.eurogamer.net/eurogamers-game-of-the-year-is |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |url-status=live}}</ref>


With [[Gayming Magazine]], it won Best LGBTQ Indie Game and Authentic Representation Award, and was nominated for Game of the Year.<ref name="GA" />
⚫
===Awards and accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! Ref
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! Ref
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | 2021
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | 2021
| rowspan="2"|[[Australian Game Developer Awards]]
| rowspan="3" |[[Australian Game Developer Awards]]
| Game of the Year
| Game of the Year
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-06|title=2021 winners announced for the Australian Game Developer Awards|url=https://gcap.com.au/2021-winners-announced-for-the-australian-game-developer-awards/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=GCAP21 Raising the Bar|language=en-AU}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2021 |title=2021 winners announced for the Australian Game Developer Awards |url=https://gcap.com.au/2021-winners-announced-for-the-australian-game-developer-awards/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301193959/https://gcap.com.au/2021-winners-announced-for-the-australian-game-developer-awards/ |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=GCAP21 Raising the Bar |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game
⚫
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| Excellence in Accessibility
| Excellence in Accessibility
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="16" style="text-align:center;" | 2022
| rowspan="14" style="text-align:center;" | 2022
| [[25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| [[25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game|Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| align="center"|<ref name="DICEAwards 2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp|title=Congratulations to the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalists|website=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|date=13 January 2022|access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |title=DICE Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dice-awards-2022-how-to-watch-all-the-nominees-and-what-to-expect-winners |website=IGN |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| rowspan="3" | [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| Best Audio
| Best Audio
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch|title=The Game Awards 2021: Nominees, start times, and where to watch |first=Hayden|last=Hafford|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=December 7, 2021|accessdate=December 8, 2021}}</ref><ref name="GDCA 2022 wins"/>
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hafford |first=Hayden |date=December 7, 2021 |title=The Game Awards 2021: Nominees, start times, and where to watch |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501024233/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-game-awards-2021-nominees-start-time-where-to-watch |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=December 8, 2021 |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GDCA 2022 wins" />
|-
|-
| Innovation Award
| Innovation Award
Line 73: Line 87:
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"|[[Independent Games Festival Awards]]
| rowspan="4" |[[Independent Games Festival Awards]]
| Seamus McNally Grand Prize
| Seamus McNally Grand Prize
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Van Allen|url=https://www.destructoid.com/igf-2022-awards-nominees-list-unpacking-inscryption-indies/ |title=IGF 2022 nominees include Inscryption, Unpacking, and more|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=January 11, 2022|accessdate=January 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name="GDCA 2022 wins">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-24-inscryption-wins-big-at-gdc-and-igf-awards-gdc-2022 |title=Inscryption wins big at GDC and IGF Awards |first=Marie |last=Dealessandri |date=March 24, 2022 |accessdate=March 24, 2022 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] }}</ref>
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Allen |first=Eric |date=January 11, 2022 |title=IGF 2022 nominees include Inscryption, Unpacking, and more |url=https://www.destructoid.com/igf-2022-awards-nominees-list-unpacking-inscryption-indies/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324230439/https://www.destructoid.com/igf-2022-awards-nominees-list-unpacking-inscryption-indies/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=[[Destructoid]] |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GDCA 2022 wins">{{Cite web |last=Dealessandri |first=Marie |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Inscryption wins big at GDC and IGF Awards |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-24-inscryption-wins-big-at-gdc-and-igf-awards-gdc-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415020139/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-24-inscryption-wins-big-at-gdc-and-igf-awards-gdc-2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Excellence in Narrative
| Excellence in Narrative
Line 87: Line 101:
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"|[[British Academy Games Awards|18th British Academy Games Awards]]
| rowspan="4" |[[British Academy Games Awards|18th British Academy Games Awards]]
| Family Game
| Family Game
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2022-nominations-announced|title=BAFTA Games Awards 2022 Nominations Announced|first=Matt |last=Purslow |work=[[IGN]] |date=March 3, 2022|accessdate=March 6, 2022}}</ref>
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Matt |date=March 3, 2022 |title=BAFTA Games Awards 2022 Nominations Announced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2022-nominations-announced |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313231906/https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2022-nominations-announced |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=[[IGN]] |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Narrative
| Narrative
Line 101: Line 115:
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |[[Gayming Magazine#Gayming Awards 2022|Gayming Awards 2022]]
| rowspan="2" |IGDA Global Industry Game Awards
|2D Animation
|Game of the Year
|{{nom}}
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |<ref name="IGDA" />
| rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gayming Awards 2022 - Gayming Magazine |url=https://gaymingmag.com/awards/ |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=gaymingmag.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2D Environmental Art
|Best LGBTQ Indie Game
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2023
|Authentic Representation Award
| [[Peabody Awards]]
⚫
|{{won}}
| Interactive & Immersive
| {{pending}}
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/2023-peabody-awards-nominees-list-1235321364/|title=Peabodys Nominations Include 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Better Call Saul', 'Fire Of Love'; PBS Leads Field|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline.com]]|date=April 13, 2023|access-date=April 16, 2023}}</ref>
|}
|}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{Official website|https://www.unpackinggame.com/}}
*{{Official website|https://www.unpackinggame.com/}}


[[Category:2021 video games]]
[[Category:2021 video games]]
[[Category:Humble Games games]]
[[Category:Humble Games games]]
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[[Category:Linux games]]
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[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jeff van Dyck]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jeff van Dyck]]
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[[Category:Video games set in the 1990s]]
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[[Category:Video games set in the 2000s]]
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[[Category:Video games set in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Witch Beam Games]]
[[Category:Witch Beam Games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:BAFTA winners (video games)]]
[[Category:BAFTA winners (video games)]]
[[Category:Interactive Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Game Developers Choice Award winners]]
[[Category:Game Developers Choice Award winners]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
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[[Category:Video games set in 1997]]
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[[Category:Video games set in 2007]]
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[[Category:Video games set in 2018]]

Latest revision as of 12:08, 8 October 2024

Unpacking
Developer(s)Witch Beam
Publisher(s)Humble Bundle
Director(s)Wren Brier
Producer(s)
  • Kip Bunyea
  • Erika Mariko Olsen
Designer(s)
  • Wren Brier
  • Tim Dawson
Programmer(s)Tim Dawson
Composer(s)Jeff van Dyck
Platform(s)
ReleaseWindows, Switch, Xbox One
  • WW: November 2, 2021
PS4, PS5
  • WW: May 10, 2022
iOS, Android
  • WW: August 24, 2023
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player

Unpacking is a puzzle video game developed by Witch Beam and published by Humble Bundle for Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The game received positive reviews, and won several awards, including two BAFTA Games Awards, a D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game, and Game of the Year by Eurogamer.

Gameplay

[edit]

The game is divided into stages[1] named by the years in which they take place: 1997, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. In each stage, the player unpacks a female character's possessions from boxes into a new dwelling. Each unpacked item must be fit into the living space, learning the unseen and unnamed protagonist's life story through her possessions and the places she lives.[2] Some items have designated places they must be put into in order to complete the stage. There are a total of 35 rooms across all dwellings.[3]

Development

[edit]
The development team accepting Best Audio at the 22nd Game Developers Choice Awards

Unpacking was developed by Witch Beam, an independent game studio based in Brisbane, Australia. The studio was founded in 2013 and had previously released Assault Android Cactus, a twin-stick shooter, in 2015. The game was first conceptualized by Wren Brier when she moved in with her partner, Witch Beam co-director Tim Dawson, in early 2018. She found that unpacking unlabelled boxes, not knowing what is stored inside, was an experience that could be translated into a video game. The two participated in the Stugan games accelerator program in Sweden, and the game entered full production in early 2019.

Unpacking is mostly a wordless experience, with the narrative mainly told through objects the player unpacks from boxes.[4] The team put a lot of thought into making Unpacking's accessible: The nearly wordless nature of the game ensures that anyone who may have language or comprehension barriers can still enjoy playing the game, and many additional accessibility features were implemented.[5]

The sound design includes over 14,000 foley effects, with multiple pick-up and placement sound effects unique to each item.[6]

Release

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While Witch Beam managed most of the game's social media channels, the team recruited Victoria Tran, the community director of Among Us, to help operate Unpacking's Discord server and TikTok account.[4] The team initially expected development of the game to take about a year and a half, though actual production of the game took twice as long.[7] Unpacking was released for personal computers, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One on November 2, 2021.[8] Versions for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were released on May 10, 2022.[9] Physical versions of the game, published and distributed by Limited Run Games, were available for preorder between March 29 and May 1, 2022.[10]

Reception

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Unpacking received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[11][12][13][14] The game received positive reviews from Rock Paper Shotgun,[24] GameSpot,[2] Eurogamer,[25] Nintendo Life,[18] IGN,[17] Kotaku,[26] and TouchArcade.[22] It sold over 100,000 copies across all platforms in its first ten days.[27] GamesRadar+ praised it for its innovative narrative,[28] and it was awarded a Can I Play That? award for its accessibility.[29] The game was nominated for Game of the Year at the Gayming Awards 2022 and won Best LGBTQ Indie Game and Authentic Representation.[30] Unpacking also won 2 IGDA Global Industry Game Awards in 2022. One for 2D Animation and another for 2D Environment Art.[31]

Awards

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Unpacking was named one of the best video games of 2021 by The New Yorker,[32] Los Angeles Times,[33] Forbes,[34] the Financial Times,[35] CNET,[36] and NME.[37] Eurogamer selected Unpacking as their Game of the Year.[38]

With Gayming Magazine, it won Best LGBTQ Indie Game and Authentic Representation Award, and was nominated for Game of the Year.[30]

Year Award Category Result Ref
2021 Australian Game Developer Awards Game of the Year Won [39]
Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game Won
Excellence in Accessibility Won
2022 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game Won [40]
Game Developers Choice Awards Best Audio Won [41][42]
Innovation Award Won
Best Narrative Nominated
Independent Games Festival Awards Seamus McNally Grand Prize Nominated [43][42]
Excellence in Narrative Nominated
Excellence in Design Nominated
Excellence in Audio Nominated
18th British Academy Games Awards Family Game Nominated [44]
Narrative Won
Original Property Nominated
EE Game of the Year Won
IGDA Global Industry Game Awards 2D Animation Won [31]
2D Environmental Art Won
2023 Peabody Awards Interactive & Immersive Pending [45]

References

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  1. ^ Tran, Edmond (November 2, 2021). "Unpacking Review - A poignant reflection on the ups and downs of life". GamesHub. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Petite, Steven (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking Review - The Things We Carry". GameSpot. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  3. ^ Kerr, Chris (November 16, 2021). "Intimacy from the inanimate in house-moving puzzler Unpacking". Game Developer. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Button, Chris (November 2, 2021). "The making of Unpacking: From bullet-hell to domestic heaven". GamesHub. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  5. ^ Bayliss, Ben (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking Accessibility Review". Can I Play That?. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  6. ^ Notis, Ari (November 4, 2021). "Hit Puzzle Game Unpacking Features 14,000 (!) Audio Files Replicating Ordinary Sounds". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Dealessandri, Marie (October 19, 2021). "How Unpacking kept a steady heartbeat after going viral years before launch". GameIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  8. ^ Beckhelling, Imogen (November 2, 2021). "Have a chill time moving house in Unpacking, out now". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "Unpacking for PS5, PS4 launches May 10". Gematsu. May 6, 2022. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  10. ^ Devore, Jordan (April 1, 2022). "Limited Run's Unpacking physical edition is up for pre-order on Switch, PS4, and PS5". Destructoid. Archived from the original on March 29, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Unpacking for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Unpacking for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  13. ^ a b "Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Unpacking for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  15. ^ Jones, Brandon (November 2, 2021). "Review: Unpacking". Easy Allies. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  16. ^ LeClair, Kyle (November 1, 2021). "Review: Unpacking". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  17. ^ a b LeBoeuf, Sarah (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking Review". IGN. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Ingram, Roland (November 10, 2021). "Unpacking Review (Switch eShop)". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  19. ^ Ronaghan, Neal (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  20. ^ Banas, Graham (May 12, 2022). "Mini Review: Unpacking (PS5) - Making Chores Fun". Push Square. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  21. ^ Mejia, Ozzie (November 2, 2021). "Unpacking review: Does it spark joy?". Shacknews. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  22. ^ a b Stuart, Keith (November 9, 2021). "Unpacking review – moving house has never been so moving". The Guardian. Guardian Media group plc. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  23. ^ Musgrave, Shaun (November 2, 2021). "SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'DUSK' and 'Dungeon Encounters', Plus the Latest Releases and Sales". TouchArcade. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Bell, Alice (November 9, 2021). "Unpacking review: the exact same joy as unwrapping a kinder egg and building the toy inside". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  25. ^ Hetfeld, Malindy (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking review - incredibly satisfying tidy-'em-up". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  26. ^ Plunkett, Luke (November 4, 2021). "Unpacking: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  27. ^ Kerr, Chris (December 14, 2021). "Unpacking topped 100k sales in 10 days". Game Developer. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  28. ^ Stuart, Keith (December 22, 2021). "7 innovative video game moments that pushed game design forward in 2021". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  29. ^ "Can I Play That? Accessibility Awards 2021 — The Winners". Can I Play That?. December 13, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  30. ^ a b "Gayming Awards 2022". Gayming Magazine. Gray Jones Media Ltd. April 28, 2022. Archived from the original on April 21, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  31. ^ a b "2022 IGDA Global Industry Game Awards Winners Announced – IGDA". Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  32. ^ Parkin, Simon (December 12, 2021). "The Best Video Games of 2021". The New Yorker. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  33. ^ Martens, Todd (December 14, 2021). "The 10 essential games of 2021 that helped us define who we are now". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 21, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  34. ^ Gardner, Matt (December 21, 2021). "The Top 10 Indie Games Of 2021 On Consoles And PC, Ranked". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  35. ^ Faber, Tom (December 20, 2021). "Top 10 games of 2021". Financial Times. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  36. ^ Fillari, Alessandro (December 17, 2021). "CNET's 2021 Game of the Year awards". CNET. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  37. ^ "The 20 best games of 2021". NME. December 6, 2021. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  38. ^ Robinson, Martin (December 30, 2021). "Eurogamer's game of the year is…". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  39. ^ "2021 winners announced for the Australian Game Developer Awards". GCAP21 Raising the Bar. October 6, 2021. Archived from the original on March 1, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
  40. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (25 February 2022). "DICE Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List". IGN. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  41. ^ Hafford, Hayden (December 7, 2021). "The Game Awards 2021: Nominees, start times, and where to watch". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  42. ^ a b Dealessandri, Marie (March 24, 2022). "Inscryption wins big at GDC and IGF Awards". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on April 15, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
  43. ^ Van Allen, Eric (January 11, 2022). "IGF 2022 nominees include Inscryption, Unpacking, and more". Destructoid. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  44. ^ Purslow, Matt (March 3, 2022). "BAFTA Games Awards 2022 Nominations Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  45. ^ Hipes, Patrick (April 13, 2023). "Peabodys Nominations Include 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Better Call Saul', 'Fire Of Love'; PBS Leads Field". Deadline.com. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
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