GAMES
Bundle of Joy
A lighthearted, story-rich, minigame romp about becoming a parent. Think "Dad Simulator" in the style of Wario Ware.
A lighthearted, story-rich, minigame romp about becoming a parent. Think "Dad Simulator" in the style of Wario Ware.
The Last Survey (2020)
An experimental, hand-drawn, visual novel about globalism, labor, culpability, and trying to do the right thing. Ported and published by RedDeerGames for the Nintendo Switch.
An experimental, hand-drawn, visual novel about globalism, labor, culpability, and trying to do the right thing. Ported and published by RedDeerGames for the Nintendo Switch.
The Trolley (2018)
A first-person adventure narrative game about the sudden closure of a public transportation network set in the mid-1950s.
A first-person adventure narrative game about the sudden closure of a public transportation network set in the mid-1950s.
ABOUT
Essay Games makes nuanced, introspective, and essayistic video games by blending personal narrative with critical observation.
Formally founded in 2023 by artist and writer Nicholas O'Brien, Essay Games uses unconventional storytelling techniques utilized by experimental film and video artists.
Essay Games and Nicholas O'Brien have been featured in Kotaku, Rock Paper Shotgun, Killscreen, Rhizome.org, Dazed Digital, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have any inquiries for us, please send an email.
Here are also some other locations where you can find us:
DISCORD // BLUESKY // ITCH
Essay Games makes nuanced, introspective, and essayistic video games by blending personal narrative with critical observation.
Formally founded in 2023 by artist and writer Nicholas O'Brien, Essay Games uses unconventional storytelling techniques utilized by experimental film and video artists.
Essay Games and Nicholas O'Brien have been featured in Kotaku, Rock Paper Shotgun, Killscreen, Rhizome.org, Dazed Digital, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.
We'd love to hear from you! If you have any inquiries for us, please send an email.
Here are also some other locations where you can find us:
DISCORD // BLUESKY // ITCH