Firewatch
News, coverage and analysis tracking Firewatch across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Podd-dags - Kontrollrummet intervjuar PaperKlay-pappan
Kevin Andersson, the developer behind the indie game PaperKlay, discusses his creative process and inspirations in an interview with the Kontrollrummet podcast. He shares how he overcame development challenges independently and his approach to making the game more than just a nostalgic experience. The interview also features hosts Viktor and Björn from Kontrollrummet, who share their favorite indie titles and their passion for games as a cultural medium.
6 Story Games for Players Who Don't Want to Talk | TAG
This article highlights six story-driven games that do not require dialogue choices or role-playing, catering to players seeking a narrative experience without conversational effort. Titles like Journey, Cocoon, Inside, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Return of the Obra Dinn, and Outer Wilds are discussed for their unique methods of storytelling through environment, music, and observation, with many also being compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
OPINION: Is Mixtape really a 10/10 game?
This opinion piece questions the prevalence of 10/10 review scores for narrative-driven games like Mixtape, arguing that personal emotional resonance is often conflated with objective quality and innovation. The author suggests that while Mixtape is a sincere experience, it doesn't redefine the medium in the way landmark titles like Elden Ring or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did. The article calls for a clearer understanding of what review scores truly measure in modern game criticism.
Review: Outbound (Switch 2) – A Cosy, Crafty, Open-World Driving Sim
Outbound is a relaxing open-world driving and crafting simulator for the Nintendo Switch that offers a compelling yet chill experience. Players collect materials to upgrade their campervan, explore diverse environments, and manage survival needs. Despite some minor visual and control gripes, the game provides a satisfying loop and extensive exploration, making it a joy to play.
9 Story Games Under 15 Hours to Play After Work | TAG
This guide highlights nine narrative-focused video games that can be completed in under 15 hours, ideal for playing after work. The selection includes titles like A Short Hike, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Return of the Obra Dinn, all offering emotional payoffs and satisfying conclusions without demanding extensive playtime. Most of these games are available on PC, with many also supporting platforms like Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
12 Games You Can Actually Finish Under 30 Hours (2026) | TAG
This article highlights 12 games that can be completed in under 30 hours, with many falling under 10 hours, emphasizing that their short length is by design rather than due to cut content. The list includes titles like A Short Hike, Firewatch, Stray, and Outer Wilds, categorized by playtime and offering a solution for players struggling with large backlogs.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the gaming publication share their weekend gaming plans, ranging from revisiting Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag to starting new games like The Third Shift and Generation Exile. Some are opting for handheld play on the Steam Deck due to minor injuries or while waiting for home renovations.
6 Video Game Destinations We’d Happily Risk Our Lives to Visit
This article discusses six video game worlds that the author would happily visit for a vacation, despite their inherent dangers. Games like Firewatch, Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto V, and No Man's Sky are highlighted for their immersive and appealing digital environments.
Best Games Under 5 Hours That Are Actually Worth Playing (2026) | TAG
This article highlights several games that can be completed in under five hours, arguing that shorter experiences offer significant value and impact. It features titles like What Remains of Edith Finch, Florence, and Portal, detailing their playtime, price, and platforms, and emphasizes that brevity does not equate to lesser quality.
BAFTA Award-winner Cissy Jones joins the cast of WILL: Follow The Light, launching 28 April for PC and consoles
TomorrowHead Studio announced that BAFTA Award-winner Cissy Jones has joined the cast of their upcoming narrative adventure game, WILL: Follow The Light. The game, inspired by titles like Firewatch and Alan Wake, is set to launch on April 28 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
'Forever Ago' Looks About Ready To Break Your Heart On Switch 2
Annapurna Interactive has released a new trailer for its single-player adventure game, Forever Ago, which is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch this autumn. The game features a narrative-driven experience where players control Alfred, who embarks on a journey of redemption after a personal tragedy, exploring environments and documenting his experiences with an instant camera.
"We're not perfectly replicating the real world, that would be crazy": The invisible design behind Firewatch's pine cones and picture frames
This article analyzes the subtle yet impactful design choices in Firewatch, focusing on how interactive elements like pine cones and picture frames convey character and narrative. Developer Campo Santo intentionally differentiated object interactions to create a tangible and grounded world, contrasting physics-based objects with those that return to a 'put back spot' to match player intention and character behavior.
"You're swimming against the tide making games like this": Why more developers didn't copy Firewatch's reactive storytelling
Chris Remo of Campo Santo discusses why Firewatch's reactive storytelling model, which focused on player choices influencing dialogue and world reactions rather than traditional gameplay, did not inspire many imitators. He attributes this to the inherent difficulty in implementing such systems in games, the high cost of creating convincing character interactions, and the medium's natural inclination towards more interactive genres like those found in Minecraft and Roblox.
"You're not doing parkour off a roof, but the principles were the same": How the makers of Firewatch pulled from Mirror's Edge, Far Cry 2, and Bioshock to tell a new kind of story in a walking simulator
Campo Santo developers discuss the inspirations behind their narrative exploration game Firewatch, drawing from titles like Mirror's Edge, Far Cry 2, and Bioshock. The team focused on creating a grounded, human-scale story with reactive gameplay elements and a strong sense of place, influenced by their camping trip to Yosemite National Park.
50 Video Game Movies In The Works: How Many Of Them Will Actually Come Out?
Hollywood is actively developing over 50 film and television adaptations of video game properties, ranging from major franchises like Elden Ring and Call of Duty to indie titles such as The Mortuary Assistant. While some projects like Death Stranding and Mortal Kombat 2 are further along, many others are in early development or face potential delays, with varying degrees of success seen in past video game movies.
Xbox's new head of gaming has "no tolerance for bad AI", following concerns about the proliferation of AI slop, and Sharma's tech background
Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, has stated she has 'no tolerance' for 'bad AI' despite her background in the field, emphasizing that 'great stories are created by humans.' Sharma, who replaces the retiring Phil Spencer, also addressed concerns about her lack of direct gaming industry experience, committing to delivering 'great games' and focusing on player and developer trust.
New Video Game Releases in Week 49 of December 8, 2025
This article lists new video game releases for the week of December 8, 2025, across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. It also details free game offerings for December 2025 on PC, mobile, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation Plus. Notable releases include Skate Story, Pokemon Legends: Z-A: Mega Dimension, and Terminator 2D: No Fate.
Best Nintendo Switch Short Games
This guide highlights short games available on the Nintendo Switch that can be completed in a single sitting, ideal for travel or as a break between longer titles. It features a curated list of indie titles across various genres, emphasizing their bite-sized nature and unique experiences.
