| Title | Papers, Please |
| Developer(s) | Lucas Pope |
| Publisher(s) | 3909 |
| Release Date | Aug 8, 2013 |
| Size | 95.31 MB |
| Genre | PC > Adventure, Indie |
Released in 2013 by indie developer Lucas Pope, Papers, Please is a unique and thought-provoking video game that puts players in the role of an immigration officer in a fictional Eastern European country called Arstotzka. The game has gained a cult following and critical acclaim due to its immersive and challenging gameplay, as well as its commentary on the complexities of immigration and bureaucracy.
Gameplay
In Papers, Please, players take on the role of a border control officer who is responsible for processing passports and entry permits. The game is set in the year 1982 and takes place over the course of 31 in-game days, with each day representing a shift at the immigration checkpoint. The goal of the game is to earn enough money to provide for your family while also following the ever-changing rules and regulations set by the government.
As each day passes, the regulations become more complex and the stakes higher. At first, players only need to check for basic information such as the validity of the passport and entry permit. However, as the game progresses, additional rules and requirements are added, including checking for discrepancies in paperwork, verifying fingerprints, and conducting body searches. Failure to adhere to the rules and deny entry to suspicious individuals can result in penalties and fines that will impact the player’s wages and ultimately their ability to provide for their family.
The game also introduces moral dilemmas as players may come across individuals who are desperate to enter Arstotzka for various reasons, such as reuniting with loved ones or seeking political asylum. Players must decide whether to allow these individuals to enter despite not meeting the requirements, potentially risking their own livelihood.
Design and Visuals
Papers, Please has a simple yet effective pixelated art style that adds to the overall atmosphere and immersion of the game. The checkpoint environment is cluttered and chaotic, with constant movement and noise, reflecting the real-life experience of some immigration officers. The game also features a minimal soundtrack that adds tension and reflects the repetitive nature of the job.
The use of various documents, such as passports, permits, and rulebooks, also adds to the game’s realism. The player must closely examine these documents for discrepancies, making the job feel authentic and challenging.
Reception and Impact
Papers, Please received positive reviews from both critics and players, with praise for its unique gameplay and commentary on immigration and bureaucracy. The game has won several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Strategy and Simulation Game in 2014.
Aside from its critical success, Papers, Please has also made an impact on the gaming industry by showcasing that a video game can address real-life issues in a thought-provoking and engaging way. It has also spawned a genre of similar games that explore political and social commentary through gameplay.
“The game’s mechanics cleverly document that cruelty and dysfunction trickle down from the top.” – Edge Magazine
Conclusion
Papers, Please is a game that challenges players to navigate through the complexities of immigration and bureaucracy while also delivering a thought-provoking commentary on these issues. By immersing players in the role of an immigration officer, the game sheds light on the humanity behind the job and the difficult decisions that come with it. Whether you’re a fan of simulation games or interested in thought-provoking gameplay, Papers, Please is a game that is worth experiencing.
System Requirements
Minimum:- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows XP or later
- Processor: 1.5 GHz Core2Duo
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: OpenGL 1.4 or better
- Storage: 100 MB available space
- Additional Notes: Minimum 1280x720 screen resolution
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
How to Download
- Click on the "Download" button link given above.
- The direct download of the game will start automatically.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file by double-clicking on it.
- This will launch the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions and click "Next" to proceed.
- Choose the destination folder where you want to install the game and click "Next".
- Read and accept the license agreement if prompted.
- Click "Install" to begin the installation process.
- The game will be installed on your computer.
- Once the installation is complete, click "Finish" to exit the installer.
- The game is now ready to be played.