An obscure video game project from the late 1990s has resurfaced, capturing the attention of gaming enthusiasts and Orwell fans alike. Originally developed by MediaX, the game was deeply rooted in the themes of George Orwell’s classic novel, 1984. Although the project never saw a commercial release, the discovery of a demo offers a glimpse into this ambitious adaptation. The revival of ‘Big Brother’ demonstrates the enduring interest in dystopian narratives within the gaming community.
While MediaX’s ‘Big Brother’ remains a forgotten chapter, the interest in Orwellian themes persists in the gaming industry. Recent developments include an official adaptation of 1984 available on Steam, spearheaded by creators known for titles like Subnautica and FTL. This ongoing engagement underscores the lasting relevance of Orwell’s vision in contemporary game design.
Development and Cancellation
MediaX began developing ‘Big Brother’ in 1996, drawing inspiration from Orwell’s novel to create an adventure game featuring twelve levels filled with puzzles. The protagonist, Eric Blair, mirrors the author’s real name, adding a personal touch to the narrative. The game was showcased at E3 in 1998 with plans for a September release priced at $30. However, the project faced delays and was ultimately canceled around 1999 or 2000, possibly due to licensing issues.
Recently Discovered Demo
A demo version of ‘Big Brother’ from January 1999 has been made available on the Internet Archive, allowing enthusiasts to explore this unfinished work. The game combines first-person adventure elements reminiscent of Myst with Quake-style graphics. Despite its ambitious premise, feedback suggests the game lacked a strong Orwellian atmosphere, featuring posters with slogans like WAR IS PEACE and HATRED IS POWER. The demo serves more as a historical artifact than a compelling gaming experience.
Future Adaptations
“Adapted by the Narrative Designer of Subnautica, Talos Principle and FTL.”
declares the Steam page for the new game, highlighting contributions from the designers behind these popular titles. This forthcoming project signifies a continued interest in translating literary dystopias into interactive media, potentially offering a more refined and immersive experience compared to its predecessors.
The preservation of MediaX’s ‘Big Brother’ demo adds to the historical understanding of video game adaptations of literary works. As developers continue to explore Orwellian themes, lessons from past projects like ‘Big Brother’ can inform future endeavors, ensuring that new adaptations resonate more authentically with audiences. The ongoing dialogue between literature and gaming remains a fertile ground for innovation and reinterpretation.
