Casual · 2020
Linda & Joan Prologue: “Four Months Earlier”
Linda & Joan Prologue: “Four Months Earlier” is a narrative-driven game included in the *Linda & Joan* collection, shortlisted for the 2021 New Media Writing Prize. Set in the UK and the US, players step into the lives of Russell, Linda, and Joan — a British family navigating trauma through interconnected stories. The prologue begins with Russell in Los Angeles, where Linda, visiting him, faces physical limitations that shape the journey. Players guide the trio along a hiking trail, balancing movement and conversation. Choices determine outcomes, with multiple endings influenced by interactions and timing. The full game, *Linda & Joan*, expands this experience, focusing on family dynamics and unresolved tensions. Designed for 15–20 minutes, it features a poignant banda sonora by Jeremy Warmsley. Both Normal and Challenging modes offer distinct perspectives, emphasizing emotional depth over action. This free, standalone title blends storytelling with interactive empathy, inviting reflection on relationships and healing. Its unique structure and character-driven narrative make it a standout in narrative gaming.