Papers, Please?

I realised a little while ago, I’m a little weird.  But I try to lean into the weirdness, to enjoy the quirks and little bouts of “Jess-ism”s… I like games that other people feel like work.  

Yes, I know the last thing you should do when stressed from life is probably load more stress onto you.  But changing the rhythm of the stress helps. Don’t look at me like that! I’m pretty sure it’s science – right?! 

Let me give you a golden oldie…

Papers, Please

Released in August 2013 by Lucas Pope and 3909; this pixelated BAFTA award winning title is a full time job that throws stress, responsibility and consequences at you as though it was real life.

It starts with:

“Congratulations.
The October Labor Lottery is complete.
Your name was pulled.”

AMAZING, right?! What it actually means – You’re on the border control, checking passports and paperwork. That’s all. Sounds easy, right?

Add in your fictional family who need you to earn money to eat, get medication and survive. Throw in terrorists with cash who want to bring the regime down… add in normal people, trying to survive just like you. You have to look at them dead in their innocent pixel eyes and choose their fates : follow the rules and be an arsehole (who puts them in jail or gets them killed). Or break the rules and risk your own life or your families.

This highly addictive, emotionally traumatic paper-pusher “job” won’t get you paid but will get you hooked.  

Available on Steam (£6.99), Apple App Store (£7.99), Humble Store (£8.08), gog.com (£8.18) and Playism ($9.99) – all prices correct at date of this article.