In 2020, Obsidian Entertainment released Grounded, their first survival game, set in a backyard reminiscent of the film “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids.” The game’s comedic twist intrigued many, expanding the idea of what a survival game could be.
It presented scenarios beyond traditional survival settings, adding an element of lighthearted family comedy to the genre. The potential for more survival games inspired by ’80s family movies is evident.
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” for example, could serve as a basis for a game in which the player must navigate the suburbs, evading authority figures and embarking on various adventures. Similarly, “E.T.
the Extra Terrestrial” offers a rich source for a survival game, with opportunities to retrieve supplies for the alien friend while avoiding detection. The concept of survival in various settings has gained popularity, especially following the heightened focus on day-to-day survival during the Covid pandemic.
This has led to a greater appreciation for games that explore the challenges of survival in different environments, from suburban settings to fictional backyards and forests. The success of Grounded demonstrates the potential for expanding the scope of survival games, incorporating a wider range of settings and themes.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to further explore the concept of survival in diverse and imaginative ways.
