Developer: PanicBarn / Role: Story, Writing

Person of European Heritage #112: Welcome to Relocation Block B, your new home. Your designated role is 'Bouncer'. Work hard, stay out of trouble, and we might let you stay.

In an alternative Britain where Brexit talks have collapsed, an extreme far-right government has taken power. Citizens of European heritage have been rounded up and exiled. Forced out of your previous life, you find yourself in the midst of a booming gig economy, fighting to scrape by and return to the city you call home.

Yes, it’s Papers Please, Brexit style. Though funnier than you might think, since I very much wrote it up as a comedy. Often very dark comedy - there’s a gag, for instance, that TV’s Big Brother has been cancelled in favour of a gameshow based on Sophie’s Choice - but still comedy. I’m not sure if this dive into dystopian Britain changed any minds, but it got quite a few laughs from people who played it… and had some very funky tunes, as the kids say.

The expansion, “One Love”, lightens things up, with a romantic trip to France. It stars King’s Head Dave, one of the more friendly bar owners from the main game, as he chases love in Toulouse. It’s a lot goofier, less political, and you get to date a stuffed dog. It makes some sense in context. Some. A little. Perhaps.