I’ve recently gotten into video games that are more about storytelling than button-mashing. One game that totally blew me away is Firewatch by Campo Santo. In the game, you play Henry, who’s trying to escape his personal problems by working as a fire lookout for the summer. Unexpected events make the summer much more eventful than Henry had planned, leading him to a mysterious investigation that makes him reflect on his life back home.

The gameplay involves interacting with the only other person Henry will have contact with through a walkie-talkie and completing various fire watch tasks. It strikes a great balance between storytelling and engaging activities. I found the personalities of both Henry and his walkie-talkie companion to be well-developed, and the dialogue choices allowed me to respond authentically.

I completed the game in a little over six hours, so it’s perfect for anyone who struggles to find time to play games. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a game with a heavy emphasis on storytelling and great visuals.

#feed-the-machine

“I read Through the Woods by Emily Carrol when I was in my late 30s and struggling creatively and emotionally. I can’t recall why I purchased the book, but it was the first comic or graphic novel I had ever read, except for Watchmen a decade prior. This book played a crucial role in my life, as I may not be working on my own comic today without it.

It’s a fantastic compilation of horror stories, each one building suspense til the brilliant end. The layout of the pictures and words are creatively intertwined, further building the tension of each story. If you enjoy horror comics or don’t mind a bit of dread and suspense in your comics, I highly recommend this book.

Check it out

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Feed the Machine: It’s not just about what you get from your creative habits but also what you put into it. Here are some posts I’ve collected to keep my inspiration high.