The Stanley Parable is a narrative-driven game that explores and questions the idea of free will and free choices. The game was originally created as a fan modification for Half-Life 2, but eventually got its own Windows release. The Stanley Parable was first released on July 31st, 2011. It got its Steam release on October 17th, 2013. Thus far, the game already has a history of over a decade. You play as Stanley in the game, and you have to do a list of things the narrator tells you to do. During the game, you will have the opportunity to disobey the narrator, but are you really able to disobey the narrator? This is the paradox The Stanley Parable explores. Good news: The Stanley Parable is getting a sequel in 2022!
You might think now is a good time to rejoice, but this sequel was originally due to be released in 2019. The trailer begins by teasing about the role of video game developers: “What does it mean to be a video game developer? It means lying, boldly and brazenly to your audience, promising them release dates that are wildly outside the realm of reality.” If you have played the original game, you would know that the narrator in this trailer is also the narrator in the game. Yes, he enjoys playing with people’s expectations and just happens to be a pro at it.
According to the developers, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe will be a re-imagining of the original game. Everything in the original game will be in the sequel, but the world is dramatically expanded with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. They also improved the visuals to “reflect modern technology”. The introduction of The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe boldly says that “The Stanley Parable is a game that plays you.” With the release date delayed to early 2022, are you ready to uncover the secrets of Stanley and challenge the existence of free will one more time?