I thank PirateSoftware for the recommendation.

This game is difficult to describe without spoiling, but I'll do my best. This game is a love letter, apology, and attempt at soul searching for understanding while summarizing the gaming industry's relationship between community and creator, as well as highlighting how emotion and health can interact with the creative process.

Now for the spoilered portion. The approach to understanding social validation is strong, especially in an age of technology where many pride themselves in being accepted, praised, or thinking they've contributed to it. The feeling that if invested in, you also made something is a mentality that stands long, and here it shows itself as the penultimate story. A true story around the unintentional poisoning of the creative process from a fan/peer to a creator, and in turn ruining the very thing they enjoyed. The 17th chapter's reveal made my heart sink.

I rarely feel moved by a game, and even fewer times will I ever write a review, even so, this game is heartfelt in it's way.

Dear Davey,

you are going to be okay. You learned your lesson. You tried too hard. You did something horrible, but you realised that. I know losing someone, that seemed ideal and wonderful, is heartbreaking. Yet you cannot stay in the past forever. You are going to be ok. There are people there for you. You`ll be ok.

In my opinion this game is essentially a case study in the violation of personal boundaries, the exploitation of another's creativity for personal gain, projection, and the narcissistic need to be recognised for one's work rather than simply creating to bring joy.

So with that sentiment, to make this entirely meta, here is a review generated by everyone's favourite donkey, which is based on a summary of my thoughts and feelings from playing the game (WARNING: SPOILERS):

"The Beginner's Guide is a unique and introspective game that delves into the complex dynamics between creation, interpretation, and personal boundaries. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a game developer who becomes deeply fascinated by the simplistic yet enigmatic games created by someone they met. These games, which appear to hold a deeper narrative meaning, captivate the developer, who believes they provide a window into the creator's psyche.

The developer's journey is one of admiration and obsession. They interpret the games as a form of storytelling, an intimate expression of the creator's inner world. This perception drives them to explore and dissect these creations, with the intent of understanding and, ultimately, helping the creator. They see themselves as a sort of curator, revealing the hidden genius within these seemingly simple games.

However, the creator of these games views them differently. For them, the act of creating these games is a personal and explorative process, akin to writing poetry meant only for oneself. The games were not designed to convey a profound narrative to an audience; they were a private endeavour, an expression without the need for external validation or critique.

The crux of the story lies in the conflict between these two perspectives. The developer, driven by their obsession to showcase what they believe to be the hidden brilliance of the games, creates a video game about them. This act of exposure goes against the explicit wishes of the creator, who had made it clear that they did not want their work shared with others.

This conflict raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of art and the boundaries between creator and interpreter. It challenges players to consider the implications of projecting one's interpretations and desires onto someone else's work. It also explores the ethical dimensions of sharing personal creations without consent, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding and harm.

The Beginner's Guide is a poignant exploration of creativity, obsession, and the fine line between admiration and intrusion. It invites players to reflect on their own interpretations of art and the respect owed to the intentions and boundaries of its creators. Through its narrative, the game provides a compelling commentary on the often complicated relationship between those who create and those who seek to understand and critique their creations." - ChatGPT 4o

I can't tell you about this game. So I'm just going to share the text I sent one of my closest friends and colleagues after I finished it:

"found a game.
you're playing it.
I don't care how it has to happen, if I have to pack up my PC, or host you here for a couple hours if that's what it takes, but there is a game here and you can beat it in an hour and a half I think you'll adore it.
I am tempted, honestly, to let you sit alone with it in a room for the duration. I'll wait outside."

It's the kind of art that makes you understand a medium.

art

This is amazing

This game really makes you realize that video games are as much art as a science while telling a very human story. I've had similar relationships in the past where a friend's fascination and need to insert them self into my life just made me push them away even harder.

It's been a while though, and I'm learning who I really am and how I can be in the world, and I have many people I trust with helping me do so.

This gave me chills (in a good way) and has really opened up the creative process for me.
Thanks Thor

This game may be short but it's impactful. As someone who has struggled a lot with social anxiety and isolation I found it strikingly relatable throughout, which made the ending that much more effective. Pick it up next time it's on sale, you won't regret it.

help girl i'm feeling emotions

Masterpiece