A unique and intriguing video game created by a staff member from Memorial University Libraries is set to redefine the way we view house packing—if you dare to venture within its whimsical yet chilling realms.

Gord Little, the mastermind behind "Moving Houses" and manager of IT services at the Queen Elizabeth II Library, developed this captivating game during the last holiday season. Bobbing in between wholesome gameplay experiences and eerie narratives, "Moving Houses" is a delicate balance of joy and horror.

“While my wife was immersed in her favorite game, PowerWash Simulator—where the allure lies in cleaning the everyday messes of life—I found myself captivated by a gripping narrative in Alan Wake 2,” Mr. Little recalled. “Those seemingly opposite experiences brewed a unique mix of concepts in my mind.”

A Psychological Journey

In "Moving Houses," players confront a house that feels alive, twisting and turning in unexpected directions, offering a meditative experience with an unsettling twist. “What you take away from this game is deeply personal,” asserted Little. “Is the house truly confining you, or is it your own psyche that’s trapping you?”

Mr. Little carefully crafted the atmosphere, ensuring that the horror arises from a gradual, psychological unraveling. “It’s not about monsters lurking in the shadows,” he explained. “Rather, it’s a waking nightmare that tests your own perceptions as the environment subtly shifts around you.”

He described the experience as a “slow-burning psychological horror” where clues and hints provoke players into a dance of eerie anticipation. “As I worked on the game, I was also processing my own traumas,” he noted.

A deeply personal aspect of this project comes in light of a tragedy; Mr. Little dedicated "Moving Houses" to his twin brother, John, who tragically passed away by suicide on February 5, 2023. “Creating the game has been a healing journey for me,” he shared. “I’ve reflected on life's hardships—my personal struggles—and how they shape our existence.”

Family-Friendly Chaos

Though the game dives into darker themes, Mr. Little’s kids had their share of fun during his testing phase. “I made sure to have adult supervision, but they enjoyed throwing things around the house like little chaos goblins, giggling all the while,” he said, proudly recounting their antics.

With an ethos of encouraging emotional processing through gaming, "Moving Houses" is on track for release on October 1 on Steam, a go-to platform for gamers around the world. It’s anticipated to launch on additional consoles such as the Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox in 2025.

This imaginative horror experience promises a blend of catharsis and creepiness, encouraging players to ponder the complexities of their minds while engaging with a captivating game that reshapes their idea of ‘home.’

Mark your calendars—this isn’t just a game; it’s an exploration of trauma, creativity, and the human experience itself!