Summer Game Fest means it’s time for indie games to shine and during today’s Day of the Devs broadcast during SGF, iam8bit Presents, and Transylvania-based indie studio stoneskip invited players to settle in, relax, and enjoy life’s quiet moments with Simpler Times. During the reveal of the chill vibes simulator, players got to see how they can use music to explore pivotal memories.
Simpler Times is an experiential, interactive meditation that rewards patience and attention with poignant moments that can be replayed like a favorite song. In Simpler Times, you step into the shoes of Taina as she prepares to move out of her childhood home and begin the next chapter of her life. Relive her memories and learn how she grew into the creative, expressive person she has become. This is a contemplative, cozy experience. There is no score, timer, combat, failing, or anxiety—just vibes.
“We want players to slow down and not think about the next task at hand,” says game director Dragos Matkovski. “Simpler Times sheds light on the beauty of the ordinary and serves as a place from the past where you can be present.”
And to be honest, in a world that is growing increasingly focused on making you do the most, always, a chill vibe simulator may be just what the doctor ordered. Some of the game’s key features include where players can listen to music, paint, watch nature, take photos, browse books, read notes & solve puzzles. The best thing is that each object has a story to tell, taking place over 10 years with 4 different moments to explore, each one portrayed in a different season. This exploration is completely up to you as you look through each chapter of Taina’s past without timers or fail-safes adding unnecessary pressure. The subtle narration unfolds through careful observation and introspection, rewarding those who embrace Simpler Times‘ reflective nature.
Finally, music is the soulful centerpiece of Simpler Times, as Taina relives her childhood memories by spinning records on a turntable. The exceptional lo-fi soundtrack by George Pandrea, a true maestro of the chillout format, is accompanied by the lyrical poetry of Taina’s IRL voice actor, Maeve Kroeger. You’ll want to listen to these vibey tunes over and over (and over) again, trust us.
Simpler Times is coming to PC via Steam in 2024 and is available on the wishlist now.
