The Longing
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Longing across the outlets.
Latest coverage
The Longing Is Steam’s Weirdest Waiting Game — And It Takes 400 Real Days to Finish
The Longing is a unique adventure and idle game where players guide a creature named Shade through a 400-day real-time countdown for its king's slumber. Progression is tied to real-world time, with events like moss softening or stalactites falling occurring over weeks or months. The game encourages players to reflect on time and attention, drawing comparisons to John Cage's experimental art.
I Love Your Longing
This opinion piece explores the philosophical depth of the game The Longing, where players guide a Shade to wait for 400 real-time days. The author, Gentle Zacharias, reflects on themes of loneliness, consciousness, and self-determination, contrasting the Shade's journey with the nature of a non-conscious 'King'. The article argues that true growth comes from interaction and choice, not from isolated obedience, and encourages players to find their own meaning within the game's framework.
