"Walden, a game" recreates Henry David Thoreau's experiment to live in a cottage in the woods near Concord, Massachusetts.<br />
"Walden, a game" recreates Henry David Thoreau's experiment to live in a cottage in the woods near Concord, Massachusetts.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
At the start of the game, the cabin is just a skeleton frame, allowing for views of trees and the occasional scurrying or flying animal.
At the start of the game, the cabin is just a skeleton frame, allowing for views of trees and the occasional scurrying or flying animal.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
The real Walden Pond has changed little since Thoreau lived there. Visitors can swim there but not camp overnight.
The real Walden Pond has changed little since Thoreau lived there. Visitors can swim there but not camp overnight.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
The map in Thoreau's video game journal has GPS. It marks where you are in relation to fixed objects.
The map in Thoreau's video game journal has GPS. It marks where you are in relation to fixed objects.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
Communing with nature, the game reminds you, can restore inspiration.
Communing with nature, the game reminds you, can restore inspiration.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
Thoreau lived very simply, with just a bed, desk and single chair for furniture.
Thoreau lived very simply, with just a bed, desk and single chair for furniture.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
In the game, as in Thoreau's life, walking to Concord is needed to get mail and supplies.
In the game, as in Thoreau's life, walking to Concord is needed to get mail and supplies.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
There are plenty of activities available, but you must perform odd jobs to make money for food and supplies to endure, especially in winter.
There are plenty of activities available, but you must perform odd jobs to make money for food and supplies to endure, especially in winter.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
You can visit Thoreau's friend, the essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, and talk to him and do odd jobs for money.
You can visit Thoreau's friend, the essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, and talk to him and do odd jobs for money.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
The game's creator, Tracy J. Fullerton, argues that "Walden, a game" creates "an immersive experience that slows us down, gives us time and permission to contemplate and reflect, and, perhaps, bring that slower pace back into our own busy lives where we can."
The game's creator, Tracy J. Fullerton, argues that "Walden, a game" creates "an immersive experience that slows us down, gives us time and permission to contemplate and reflect, and, perhaps, bring that slower pace back into our own busy lives where we can."
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab
Communing with nature might be the most enjoyable part of the game: being still, watching the wind sway flowers and branches, glimpsing a chipmunk, hearing an owl and stargazing at night.
Communing with nature might be the most enjoyable part of the game: being still, watching the wind sway flowers and branches, glimpsing a chipmunk, hearing an owl and stargazing at night.
Courtesy USC Game Innovation Lab