Simpler Times is a new game that invites you to explore the childhood bedroom of Taina, a young woman who is about to leave her family home for university. As you pack away her belongings, each object triggers a memory that reveals more about her life and personality. The game is described as a “chill vibes simulator” that aims to create a meditative and nostalgic experience for the players.
The game is developed by Stoneskip, a studio based in Transylvania, Romania. The game director, Dragos Matkovski, says that the game was inspired by his own experiences of moving and living in different places. He wanted to create a game that reflects the love for a place and the memories attached to it. He collaborated with designer Laara Bonn, who also shared similar childhood experiences of moving a lot and carrying small trinkets with her.
A Room of One’s Own
Taina’s room is full of details that reveal her interests, hobbies, and dreams. You can interact with various objects, such as books, records, toys, and photos, and learn more about her story. Each object has a unique design and texture, and some of them are based on real items that the developers owned or encountered in their lives.
The game uses a mechanic that allows you to switch between the present and the past by playing a record on the turntable. Each song corresponds to a different memory that Taina has, such as building a birdhouse, launching a model rocket, or having a sleepover with her friends. The memories are presented in a stylized and colorful way, contrasting with the realistic and muted tones of the present.
A Game About Change
Simpler Times is not only a game about nostalgia, but also about change and growth. Taina is facing a major transition in her life, and she is having doubts about leaving her home and starting a new chapter. By revisiting her memories, she realizes that she has made the right decision and that she is ready to embrace the future.
The game also explores the themes of identity, family, and friendship. Taina’s room reflects her personal journey of discovering who she is and what she wants to do. Her family and friends are also an important part of her life, and they support her in different ways. The game shows how relationships can evolve over time, and how people can stay connected despite physical distance.
A Game for Everyone
Simpler Times is a game that can appeal to anyone who has ever felt nostalgic or curious about their past. The game does not have any goals or challenges, but rather encourages the players to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The game also features an original soundtrack composed by Matkovski himself, which adds to the mood and emotion of the game.
The game is expected to be released in 2023 for PC and consoles. The developers have recently revealed the official trailer for the game at the Day of the Devs 2023 event, which showcases some of the gameplay and visuals of the game. You can watch the trailer here.
