Unpacking (video game): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|2021 video game}} |
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Unpacking |
| title = Unpacking |
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| designer = Wren Brier<br>Tim Dawson<br>[[Annie VanderMeer]] |
| designer = Wren Brier<br>Tim Dawson<br>[[Annie VanderMeer]] |
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| composer = [[Jeff van Dyck]] |
| composer = [[Jeff van Dyck]] |
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| platforms = {{ |
| platforms = {{cslist|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]|[[Nintendo Switch|Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]}} |
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| released = '''Windows''', '''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}}'''PlayStation 4''', '''PlayStation 5'''{{vgrelease|WW|May 10, 2022}} |
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| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] |
| genre = [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Unpacking''''' is a [[puzzle video game]] developed by |
'''''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, two [[British Academy Games Awards|BAFTA Game Awards]], was chosen as game of the year by ''[[Eurogamer]]''. |
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== |
== Gameplay == |
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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 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"/> |
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There are of eight 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> made up of a total of 35 rooms.<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 == |
== Development == |
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[[File:Unpacking wins Best Audio - GDCA 2022.jpg|thumb|left|The |
[[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. |
''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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''Unpacking'' is mostly a wordless experience, with the narrative mainly told through objects the player unpacks from boxes.<ref name="gamehub">{{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 |accessdate=May 16, 2022 |work=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=2021-11-01 |title=Unpacking Accessibility Review |url=https://caniplaythat.com/2021/11/01/unpacking-accessibility-review-can-i-play-that-pc/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Can I Play That? |language=en-US}}</ref> |
''Unpacking'' is mostly a wordless experience, with the narrative mainly told through objects the player unpacks from boxes.<ref name="gamehub">{{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 |accessdate=May 16, 2022 |work=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=2021-11-01 |title=Unpacking Accessibility Review |url=https://caniplaythat.com/2021/11/01/unpacking-accessibility-review-can-i-play-that-pc/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Can I Play That? |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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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> |
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==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 (software)|Discord]] channel and [[TikTok]] account.<ref name="gamehub" /> 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=2022-05-06 |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=2022-09-04 |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> |
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 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=2022-05-06 |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=2022-09-04 |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> |
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== Reception == |
== Reception == |
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=== Critical reception === |
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{{Video game reviews |
{{Video game reviews |
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| MC = PC: 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unpacking|title=Unpacking for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/switch/unpacking|title=Unpacking for Switch Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/xbox-one/unpacking|title=Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/playstation-5/unpacking|title=Unpacking for PlayStation 5 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220606033911/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/unpacking |archive-date= June 6, 2022}}</ref> |
| MC = PC: 84/100<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unpacking|title=Unpacking for PC Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/switch/unpacking|title=Unpacking for Switch Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/xbox-one/unpacking|title=Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=February 13, 2022 |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/playstation-5/unpacking|title=Unpacking for PlayStation 5 Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220606033911/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/unpacking |archive-date= June 6, 2022}}</ref> |
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''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]]}}</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]]}}</ref> ''[[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+]]}}</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?]]}}</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}}</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]]}}</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]]}}</ref> ''[[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+]]}}</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?]]}}</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}}</ref> |
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''Unpacking'' was named one of the best video games of 2021 by |
''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}}</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]]}}</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]]}}</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}}</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]]}}</ref> ''[[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]]}}</ref> and ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2021 |title=The 50 best video games of 2021 |url=https://www.polygon.com/c/22796149/the-50-best-games-of-2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401003653/https://www.polygon.com/c/22796149/50-best-video-games-of-2021-polygon-goty |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</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]]}}</ref> |
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=== Awards |
=== Awards === |
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Revision as of 13:50, 20 October 2022
Unpacking | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Witch Beam |
Publisher(s) | Humble Bundle |
Director(s) | Wren Brier Tim Dawson |
Designer(s) | Wren Brier Tim Dawson Annie VanderMeer |
Composer(s) | Jeff van Dyck |
Platform(s) | |
Release | Windows, Switch, Xbox One
|
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, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The game received positive reviews, two BAFTA Game Awards, was chosen as game of the year by Eurogamer.
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.[1]
There are of eight stages[2] made up of a total of 35 rooms.[3]
Development
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
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 channel 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
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | PC: 84/100[11] NS: 86/100[12] XONE: 81/100[13] PS5: 84/100[14] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Easy Allies | 8.5/10[15] |
GameSpot | 9/10[1] |
Hardcore Gamer | 4/5[16] |
IGN | 8/10[17] |
Nintendo Life | [18] |
Nintendo World Report | 6.5/10[19] |
Push Square | [20] |
Shacknews | 7/10[21] |
The Guardian | [22] |
TouchArcade | 4.5/5[23] |
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,[1] Eurogamer,[25] Nintendo Life,[18] IGN,[17] Kotaku,[26] 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 was named one of the best video games of 2021 by The New Yorker,[31] Los Angeles Times,[32] Forbes,[33] the Financial Times,[34] CNET,[35] NME,[36] and Polygon.[37] Eurogamer selected Unpacking as their Game of the Year.[38]
Awards
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Australian Game Developer Awards | Game of the Year | Won | [39] |
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 | |||
Gayming Awards 2022 | Game of the Year | Nominated | [30] | |
Best LGBTQ Indie Game | Won | |||
Authentic Representation Award | Won |
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Bayliss, Ben (2021-11-01). "Unpacking Accessibility Review". Can I Play That?. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Unpacking for PS5, PS4 launches May 10". Gematsu. 2022-05-06. Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "Unpacking for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "Unpacking for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 8, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "Unpacking for Xbox One Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 22, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ a b "Unpacking for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ Jones, Brandon (November 2, 2021). "Review: Unpacking". Easy Allies. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ LeClair, Kyle (November 1, 2021). "Review: Unpacking". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ a b LeBoeuf, Sarah (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking Review". IGN. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Ronaghan, Neal (November 1, 2021). "Unpacking (Switch) Review". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Mejia, Ozzie (November 2, 2021). "Unpacking review: Does it spark joy?". Shacknews. Archived from the original on February 13, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Plunkett, Luke (November 4, 2021). "Unpacking: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Faber, Tom (December 20, 2021). "Top 10 games of 2021". Financial Times. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "The 20 best games of 2021". NME. December 6, 2021. Archived from the original on February 14, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- ^ "The 50 best video games of 2021". Polygon. December 10, 2021. Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
{{cite web}}
:|archive-date=
/|archive-url=
timestamp mismatch; April 1, 2022 suggested (help) - ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Congratulations to the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalists". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. January 13, 2022. Archived from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Van Allen, Eric (January 11, 2022). "IGF 2022 nominees include Inscryption, Unpacking, and more". Destructoid. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
- ^ Purslow, Matt (March 3, 2022). "BAFTA Games Awards 2022 Nominations Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
External links
- 2021 video games
- Humble Games games
- LGBT-related video games
- Linux games
- MacOS games
- Nintendo Switch games
- PlayStation 4 games
- PlayStation 5 games
- Puzzle video games
- Retro-style video games
- Video games developed in Australia
- Video games featuring female protagonists
- Video games scored by Jeff van Dyck
- Video games set in the 1990s
- Video games set in the 2000s
- Video games set in the 2010s
- Witch Beam Games
- Windows games
- Xbox One games
- BAFTA winners (video games)
- Interactive Achievement Award winners
- Game Developers Choice Award winners
- Indie video games
- Single-player video games