Summary

Release Year: 2016
Genres: Indie, Simulator, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Double Zero One Zero
Publishers: Coffee Stain Studios

The Westport Independent: A Censorship Simulator

The Westport Independent is a censorship simulator video game developed by Polish studio Artifex Mundi and released in 2016. The game puts players in the role of an editor of a small-town newspaper in a country where the government is cracking down on dissent. Players must decide what stories to print and how to frame them in order to avoid government censorship and keep their newspaper afloat.

The game is set in the fictional town of Westport, which is based on a real town in Poland that was once home to a thriving independent newspaper. In the game, the government has passed a new law that gives it the power to censor any media that it deems to be “harmful to the state.” The player’s job is to decide what stories to print in the newspaper and how to frame them in order to avoid government censorship.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world through a point-and-click interface. The player can explore the newspaper’s offices, talk to staff members, and read through the stories that have been submitted for publication. The player must then decide which stories to print and how to headline them.

The player’s decisions have a direct impact on the game world. If the player prints stories that are critical of the government, the government may retaliate by censoring the newspaper or even shutting it down. However, if the player prints stories that are supportive of the government, the government may reward the newspaper with financial support or other benefits.

The player must also be mindful of the public’s opinion. If the player prints stories that are too critical of the government, the public may lose trust in the newspaper. However, if the player prints stories that are too supportive of the government, the public may accuse the newspaper of being a government mouthpiece.

The Westport Independent is a challenging and thought-provoking game that explores the importance of freedom of the press. The game forces players to make difficult choices about what stories to print and how to frame them. The player’s decisions have a direct impact on the game world, and the player must be mindful of the consequences of their actions.

Gameplay

The Westport Independent is played from a first-person perspective, and the player interacts with the game world through a point-and-click interface. The player can explore the newspaper’s offices, talk to staff members, and read through the stories that have been submitted for publication. The player must then decide which stories to print and how to headline them.

Setting

The Westport Independent is set in the fictional town of Westport, which is based on a real town in Poland that was once home to a thriving independent newspaper. In the game, the government has passed a new law that gives it the power to censor any media that it deems to be “harmful to the state.”

The game’s setting is inspired by the real-world crackdown on freedom of the press in Poland. In recent years, the Polish government has passed a number of laws that have made it more difficult for independent media to operate. These laws have been criticized by journalists and human rights groups, who say that they are designed to silence dissent.

Themes

The Westport Independent explores a number of themes, including freedom of the press, censorship, and the role of the media in a democracy. The game forces players to make difficult choices about what stories to print and how to frame them. The player’s decisions have a direct impact on the game world, and the player must be mindful of the consequences of their actions.

The game also explores the role of the media in a democracy. In a free and democratic society, the media plays a vital role in holding the government accountable and informing the public about important issues. However, the media can also be used to spread propaganda and silence dissent. The Westport Independent forces players to think about the ethical responsibilities of journalists and the importance of a free and independent press.

Reception

The Westport Independent received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its thought-provoking gameplay, its exploration of important themes, and its realistic setting. However, some critics found the game to be too repetitive and slow-paced.

Overall, The Westport Independent is a well-made and thought-provoking game that explores the important