When the Darkness comes
A downloadable experience for Windows
About the Experience:
A game without meaning.
A game nobody should play.
A clock, a piano and a girl. What do they all mean?
What is meaning, anyway? What has meaning? Do you have one? A path, a goal, something determined, pre-determined? A light to follow?
Discover a world filled with fear and loneliness. A world where despair breathes and hope dies. A world about you, about us. A world about humanity and about life.
If you had a choice, which one would you make?
There is more to this experience than meets the eye. You have been warned.
About the Development:
This is a walking simulator I've been working on here and there for the past year or so. I wanted to find a way to express how I felt in my darkest times, and I couldn't find any better than an interactive experience. This is a passion project. It is also my first attempt at making a game by myself from scratch.
The Experience should take between 45min to one hour to complete.
This game is not for everyone. This is a tale with little meaning and little hope, born from months of uncertainty and dark thoughts. The gameplay is close to non-existent, and the graphics are little more than boxes and shadows.
Hopefully, this game will open doors for people who need it, give a good scare for those who so desire, and make some others think.
Please leave a rating, comment or share the word around if you enjoyed this experience!
Warnings:
This game explores themes such as depression, anxiety, verbal abuse, manipulative control, and suicide. This game could potentially trigger epilepsy attacks and has some nasty jump scares. Play at your own risk.
Since I was working alone on this game, and even though I tested it countless times, bugs are entirely possible. If you encounter one, please contact me, and I'll try to fix it asap!
This game will manipulate some files and gather some data from your computer. If you do not feel comfortable with this, do not play it.
Always follow the light.
And never look back.
Let's Plays Playlist:
As some people have asked me, it is authorized, and even greatly encouraged, to stream/record/share this experience. You can even send me a link to your stream, and I'll try to join the chat if I'm available. :)
Controls:
Movement: WASD, or arrow keys
Action key: F
Jump: Space
Sprint: Shift (you'll need it)
Controls are customizable in the Unity launcher (Input).
The game now offers controller support!
Credits:
Main Music:
"Mars Landscape: Moon Set"
by Julie Maxwell
www.juliemaxwell.com
Available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mars-landscape-moon-set-from-when-the-darkness-comes-single/1457884122
Other resources used (Meshes/Audio/Plugins):
Check WTDC on IGDB
Discuss and document the experience on the Wiki
Subreddit
Add this Experience to your Steam wishlist!
Download
Install instructions
DO NOT INSTALL IN PROGRAM FILES!
I recommend unzipping the game manually somewhere else than Program Files or any protected folder. Using the itch.io desktop app is always the best way to go!
IF YOU DO/DID INSTALL THIS IN PROGRAM FILES: you will NEED to start the game with Administrative Privilege to go through the entire experience! This game creates files within its own folder to save/load progression through the different runs. You will NOT be able to access any other runs than the first one if you do not do this.
Thanks!
Development log
- Steam Launch - Coming Soon!Feb 11, 2019
- Version 1.15b - Couple minor bugfixesFeb 05, 2019
- "Program Files" Bug - WorkaroundFeb 03, 2019
- Update 1.15 - Final Story ArcFeb 02, 2019
- Update 1.14 - Post-game content, Light Bridge balancing and OptimizationJan 25, 2019
- Update 1.13 - Post-game, subtitles fixes and optimization.Jan 22, 2019
- Update 1.11/1.12 - Subtitles, VO Updates, Post-Game, Bug Fixes and more!Jan 21, 2019
- SubtitlesJan 19, 2019
Comments
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this was surely one of the best games ive played so far...omg it was stunning from the start till the end! also the gameplay was just amazing and so much fun even though the light part was kinda frustrating for me since there was too much darkness....eh anyways my point is i hope u get to continue with this fantastic job and im wishing u good luck on everything u do<3
i js made a account cuz idk where else to msg u but genuinely THANK U SO FMUCH . i literally was looking for some depressing ass games to play cuz i been thru it lately and i came across this and at first i was like yea this is it, this 4 me, but by the end of it i swear u cured smthing in me. like the "girl" whos saying shes proud of u and showing u the light and everything. man u genuinely changed my life and idk what to say but thank u
Really appreciate it! And glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for playing. <3
It's a long game, but a creepy game, a funny game, an atmospheric game, a thoughtful game, a beautiful game. This game is everything and more.
Thank you for playing and for the video! ❤️
Could you make it available in the browser also ? ty
I played it on Steam, but for some reasons, I couldn`t add this comment. It`s amazing!!!This game allows you to look at ordinary things from a slightly different angle, slightly change your point of perception and get completely unexpected results. This is a kind of mini-training that allows you to review and work out certain aspects of your life or tasks that are relevant at the moment - the game gives hints, directs and corrects, and the rest is your personal inner work, so necessary for each of us! The end was so heartwarming to me❤
awesome thank you
I just played this game in 2022. Late, I know, but it was an amazing experience nonetheless. Thank you for making this.
I loved the game when I played it for the first time and here I am two years later, after playing it several more times. I just want to say thank you. When I cannot think clearly your game helps me to remember some important things, calm down and just try again or keep going.
I loved this game a lot! I’ve played through it multiple times now and I’ve got to say, I love the story writing, gameplay, and in general the mood! It’s hard to come across games as good as this.
Well done! Tripped me out a bit.
Thanks for playing! :)
OH wow! I just finished playing this game and its awesome! There are moments that made me wonder about self, but I'm also not depressed or anything. Well made game indeed!
Game here:
Please subscribe to the channel.Thanks for playing!
I don't like it I can't delete it and I can't move had to restart my computer 5 times
Anddddddd I'm back. It's been, what, a bit over a year now? As I am currently typing this out, it is three in the morning for me. I just played this again and it really never gets old. Times are tough right now (even just in general/for everyone) and playing this again has made me both super emotional (as always) and given me motivation to keep pushing forward. I don't know why, and it probably seems kind of weird too, but this experience means so much to me. Thank you, again, for creating and sharing such an amazing piece of work. It truly is remarkable and I appreciate it in such a way that I can't even put it into words.
I think after so many times of coming back here that it may be time for me to sit back for a while. I, without a doubt, will probably continue to look back onto and play this game again. For now though, thank you and farewell.
I don't know you personally or anything, but if you do see this, I hope that you're doing alright... and don't forget to take care of yourself! :>
Edit: Also, other than the messages that were conveyed throughout this experience, the entire thing is really well-designed and thought out. I can't even imagine all of the time and effort that must've went into making this. ^^; It really is amazing.
I love this game, my friend recommended it to me and I thought it was an incredible and
expressive experience that focused on topics that we're sometimes uncomfortable talking about. I made a video on this game, even though I know a ton of people have made one before.
lag cant find the low grafic setings
I wish I could play this on my iMac but I can't :( I really hope you guys could release a iMac version of this game I really hope so I could play it
This may be a stupid question but, Can I play this game with Winzip? I just wanted to make sure so I don't just download it for nothing-
Beautiful experience, are you planning on creating more games?
I am! Just need some time. :C
It's one hell of a game! One of the best ones I have ever played! <3
But the question - what fonts do you use? I know it's weird and easy one but I'm just interested, they are pretty simple but aren't like Oswald, Calibri or Cambria.
The hanging ending is basicly how i wanna end <3
it has been a month since you wrote that, you good bro? please don't end it. there are people who love you and care about you
This was really neat! I'm glad I got the good ending!
Please, make Linux version
I realize this comment is a year old but it runs fine under Wine, albeit a bit annoying to get working on my machine. (Alternatively you could just use the Steam version with Steam Play.)
Installing DXVK should be adequate, but if you're having issues with the window it plays in consider enabling "Emulate virtual desktop" in winecfg.
Is it really difficult to just port the game to Linux?
Given that the game (or rather "Experience" as per the dev) is made in Unity, it probably wouldn't be terribly hard. But given the length of WTDC (and the fact that it is free (as in free beer)) I doubt it would be worth the extra time for Sirhaian to export and test the build.
...and like I said, it runs fine as it is under WINE with some easy to fix caveats (depending on how you want to play it, I've had issues playing it windowed). Maybe even better under Steam Play w/Proton.
Great game. Loved everything about it.
Hi!
I played your game (yes, I have downloaded it from Steam) and I don't know any words that can describe how thankful I am that this exists! I really don't know much about developing a game but seeing this and seeing how much work you put into this... it's just very inspiring! I was genuinely scared sometimes playing this game (it's a good thing) and I cried two times during it, specifically during your comments about the whole game. I don't want to post here the entire story of my life, but I am going through some tough times now and they probably won't end soon. This is really refreshing to see the game like that, it's messing with you, it 'knows' you, I love it.
The soundtrack is amazing and the voice actor did a really really great job. I don't want to describe here my whole walking through this game and emotions during it but I think the scariest chapter was the train walk through and going to market in the dark; god, when those figures were standing around me, my heart was beating so fast, it was so creepy, weird and totally amazing experience.
I really like the way you were 'talking' to us, you aren't just a game producer that thinks "amount > quality". When you were talking through the game... it didn't sound like just empty words "I hope you liked this game" (of course I am not say this is bad, I'm just saying it alone sounds... kinda empty. "I hope you liked this game, leave me a good rating, go away") I genuinely could feel you talking to me, and I'm saying that it happens very very rarely, usually, the developers say just "I hope you enjoyed playing this game." or even nothing.
I don't care if this game is 'crappy' for some people, it's the best game I have played in a while or even ever.
I don't really want to sound like a douche here, but if the creator of this game is reading this (Sirhaian), even only as a player, I'm so glad you made it and even if I have no rights to say this - I'm so proud of you, I don't care if I don't know you, you made me happy and I want to share it with you.
And to everyone who are thinking about playing this game, play it.
I just hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you so much for making this post, Reedese. I don't really know what else to say than thank you. I'm really glad this experience inspired you in the right way, and that you enjoyed it. :)
Keep following the light! Even if the clouds are obscuring the sun, it's still there.
Damn, I never thought you would reply. Thank you so much. And I'm really glad you made this game, again (really, again) thank you so much and wish you a great day/night! :3
Hi. First of all, i put this in Steam. I don't know if the creator (Sirhaian) will read it there, and i wanna make sure that at least I try it to him to read it. I'd love to. And sry for bad spelling, grammar or whatever. Im still learning english. i hope y'all can understand. (this first thing wasnt in steam. and in the middle-last part im getting emotional. sry about that. now, lets read it (if u want)):
Please, play it.
At the first arc, it can seem scary and horroful. And it is. But in the second and the third arc, its beautiful. Its awesome. I love this game with all my sould, and I hope this gets to the creator. If you are reading this, really good job, man. This game is awesome and deserves to be known around the world. Even though it is known right now.
If you are thinking about playing it, do it. It's freaking awesome. It talks about depression, anxiety, and a lot of more mental things that people doesn't talk. Of course, I do not recommend the people with depression and anxiety to play it alone. In the first part of the acts, the anxiety, I feel extremely annoyed and worried about all of that. It makes me feel bad, it provocates anxiety in me. And though I don't like anxiety, the girl of the light is awesome. It shows you how to manage this anxiety and she saves you in the game. So yeah, play this game. And play it 3 times. Explore it as much as possible. Search easter eggs, read all, explore, experiment... Have fun. Though is scary and it causes anxiety and makes you sad, play it. Have fun. If you are alone, put music. It helps me a lot. Write me in the comments for this.
I know im nobody to say this, to say to y'all to talk to me, do it if u want. i wont judge. talk me as a diary, as a friend, as a confident... i dont care. but if u feel that u need help to pass the game or maybe u feel like the dude in the game. If u are feeling like that, talk to someone. It's difficult, this game is telling that in a very especific way. And it's very good. So, please, if u feel like that, talk to me. Nobody will know of what are u talking to me, im just a random dude. but if u wanna relieve some things that happened to you, here i'm. just type me in the comments something like "i wanna talk" or "send me a friend request" and ill know u wanna talk. ill love to talk to you. ill be waiting. :)
In a nutshell, two things.
1. Sirhaian, thanks for doing this game. Its beautiful and has a lot of meaning. It does matter who created this. you are a very good person, dude. ily (it means i love you).
2. If u wanna talk (about the game, help for the game or if u are feeling bad and u need to talk to someone) im here. just type me.
i hope no one feels like that guy. its very bad. luck and love for all of you, people.
Thank you so much for this comment. It means a lot to me, really. I'm truly blessed by all the players, you brought meaning to this experiment of mine, and I'll never thank you all enough. I wish you the best, and thank you for offering your help to others.
I'm glad that my comment means something to you, it was one of my goals with that. And we'll maybe bring meaning to "When the Darkness comes", but it was truly awesome. All of it. For me, it has a meaning of its own. I wish the best to you too. :)
The game is fantastic, thank you so much for creating it. I would really like to go through all the endings. It is a pity that you have had such feelings in your life. But I hope they didn't leave a deep mark ! We would love to see other products from you in the future! Thank you again for creating the game, it is really good at everything it has, you are the best!)
Thank you so much! ^_^
I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for your words of encouragement. It means a lot. :)
Hello again! You know, it's so great thаt the lаst ending is so encouraging and supportive... With him, I hope more that you let go of bad feelings and memories)
I've commented a few times already, but are you ever going to make another game? This one was sensational, like absolutely amazing. I think I have played it at least 10 times and played it at least 3 times with friends.
Do the Android Version of this game, pleaseee!!!
I never played!! :3
Thank you!
4 months it has been. I just happened to be in a call with a friend and I decided to recommend he play this game. He streamed it and I watched his playthrough of it. Once again, it was an emotional rollercoaster for me. It hit me greatly for a second time and it seems my friend also was impacted by it. He just finished the game and he too chose the light each time. After both crying towards the end of the game and processing what happened (again for me) I felt the need to say something for yet another time. I realize I've referred to your creation as a game a lot, but in reality it's more of a lesson put into a simulation. Though this "game" of yours was not meant to be played, I truly appreciate that you shared your creation and that I was able to play it as well as see someone else be impacted by your amazing simulation. After watching my friend play it, it made me want to play it again for myself. And though I am still curious about what the other ending holds, I do not think I will ever be able to choose the darkness. Thank you, again, for sharing your creation that portrays such an important and valuable lesson. Calling it a lesson may be too strong of a way to describe it though. What it is...is hope. To show that there is still light even when you seem to be drowning in darkness...you just have to reach for it. And I appreciate and accept such hope because even with all the hardships I have had and will have as well as that others may have, I know that I need to hold on because life has meaning. What that meaning is, is determined by the person you are yourself and what you want to do with the hope you have been given. The complexity and deeper meaning within your simulation has intrigued me so and I believe I will play it over and over, time and time again because the hope you give out through such display will never get old. It is possible that I may continue reaching out to you just because of how much I have been and will be affected by your "game". I value and appreciate everything within your simulation. Thank you so very much, truly.
thank you
I never got a good ending
Wait what do you mean GOOD ENDING
I got the good ending ^^ lovely game
The game is really good, but I got the bad ending and would like to replay it, I've tried reinstalling it but it doesn't work.
This game was so weird and scary at the same time... I think it messed with my head...
hey man amazing game playing on steam but cant figure out how to replay it once its done. just says goodbye and wont restart. i tried uninstalling it but nothing works
Can't say I understood it but it was one HELL of a ride!
make a mac one plzzzzzzz i rlly wanna play it but its only for windows :(
this game pretty much simulated what happens to me when I have a nervous breakdown, I know you said don't play it if you have depression/anxiety but I did anyway. this game really hit hard and needless to say it was amazing. I literally cried pretty much the entire time and I really did learn something about my thought process. this game probably saved my life and I know that's overdramatic, but I will tell myself to follow the light (haha) when im surrounded by darkness. I have most of the same thought as what was said in the game, and it told me that even though I may feel like nobdy cares and theres no meaning, I should still follow the light because out of the 7 billion people in the world, there must be at least one person who cares.
Really glad you enjoyed WTDC and that it helped you out. Thank you for sharing your experience! May you always follow your light. :)