You may find a thought-provoking game if you look past the cost.
When informed of a game with a price tag of $1,999.90 for a 2-hour experience, an individual’s initial reaction may be one of surprise or disbelief. This is because the cost of video games is typically lower, particularly for indie titles which are known for being more budget-friendly.
Although it may seem astonishing, an indie game actually costs $1,999.90 for a 2-hour playtime. But before revealing the specific game, I would like to provide an explanation (to the uninitiated) of what independent games are.
What are "Indie Games"?
Independent video games, or “indie games” are produced by smaller development teams or individuals without the financial and technical backing of major game publishers.Â
Unlike “AAA” (triple-A) games, indie games often focus on innovative and experimental gameplay, taking creative risks that are not typically seen in the mainstream gaming industry. Due to the absence of publisher support, indie games are typically distributed through digital channels instead of retail.
The history of indie game development dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when hobbyist programmers, known as “bedroom coders,” made and distributed their own games through mail order.Â
With the rise of the internet in the 1990s, hobbyist programming declined, but the advent of digital storefronts, crowdfunding, low-cost development tools, and boutique – indie game publishers have revitalized the indie game scene.
However, despite its growth, the increasing number of indie games being published has led to concerns of an “indiepocalypse” or an oversupply that could potentially make the market unprofitable.Â
Despite this, several indie games have become successful and gained recognition in the industry, including Touhou Project, Cave Story, Braid, Super Meat Boy, Minecraft, Fez, Shovel Knight, Undertale, and Cuphead.Â
However, discoverability remains a challenge for many indie game developers, with many games struggling to achieve financial profitability.
Now that you have a grasp on the concept of indie games, I can now tell you about the priciest indie game on the Steam platform.
About The Hidden and Unknown Video Game
The Hidden and Unknown is a game developed and published by ProX. This game seeks to challenge players’ understanding of themselves and the world around them by presenting thought-provoking themes and concepts. The goal of the game is to provide players with a unique and engaging experience that expands their minds and encourages self-reflection. Whether through story, gameplay, or interactive elements, The Hidden and Unknown aims to stimulate players’ intellect and imagination.
System Requirement for The Hidden and Unknown
WINDOWS MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
- OS: Windows 7 or higher.
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Dual-Core CPU
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics Display: Integrated Graphics
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: Minimum storage – 505 MB
macOS MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
- OS: OS X 10.9+
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Dual-Core CPU
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics Display: Integrated Graphics
- Storage: Minimum storage – 505 MB
STEAMOS + LINUX MINIMUM REQUIREMENT:
- OS: Ubuntu 16.04+
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Dual-Core CPU
- Memory: 2GB RAM
- Graphics: Integrated Graphics
- Storage: Minimum storage – 505 MB
The Hidden and Unknown was released on January 23, 2023 and this adventure, casual and Indie game that only takes two hours to complete is available for Windows, macOS and SteamOS+Linux on Steam for $1,999.90 today.
A final word
Despite its high price and limited information, The Hidden and Unknown is a thought-provoking game. While some players may not feel that the game justifies its cost, others may appreciate its unique approach to exploring psychology and philosophy. Additionally, despite negative reviews, there may be a dedicated group of players who find the game to be a valuable and meaningful experience.Â
