October 13, 2025Narrative

Playing with Otium ? On the Aesthetics of Walking Simulators

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This article reveals how walking simulators foster freedom and otium in players, indicating a unique interactive experience.

Walking simulators offer players a unique experience of otium, rooted in their design that emphasizes narrative exploration.
The concept of otium highlights the interplay of 'freedom from' constraints and 'freedom for' engaging activities during gameplay.
By prioritizing environmental storytelling over demanding mechanics, walking simulators cultivate a space for contemplation.
These games diverge significantly from traditional videogame designs, which typically impose constraints limiting player freedom.

Jan-Noël Thon (2025) studied this question.

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