Unpacking is a single-player, point-and-click puzzle game developed by Australia-based indie developers Witch Beam and published by Humble Games that plans to release on Nov. 2, 2021, for the PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch. The game deals with the familiar sense of domestic life while also showing how relaxation and fun can exist in the mundane and sometimes stressful task of moving into a new home. In a developer diary from Unpacking’s Twitter, creative lead Wren Brier explains how the game differentiates itself from a typical game structure, where it removes the competitive aspect for the player and does not include points or timers.
You play as an “unpacking ghost,” a term Witch Beam uses to describe the player’s invisible role in the game, who helps an unseen character move her belongings into her new home. As the mover, you are given an intimate glance into the character through the possessions she decides to bring or leave behind, where you will learn more about her life as you unpack her things and use them to decorate the different rooms throughout eight house moves.
Unpacking features full controller support, beautiful pixel graphics that display the different rooms and unique objects, and an original, calming soundtrack by BAFTA award-winning composer Jeff van Dyck. According to Unpacking’s official website, the game boasts its accessible-friendly gameplay, where it features mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive accessibility. Some accessibility features include the ability to play one-handed using only a mouse on the PC, having the ability to change controls, and the option to disable animation when changing rooms in-game to prevent motion sickness.
If you enjoy casual gaming and like to play games with charming pixel graphics and soothing background music, you can buy Unpacking on Steam, the Nintendo eShop, Microsoft Store, Humble Store, and GOG on Nov. 2, 2021.