Penguin Colony: A Lovecraftian Horror Game With a Political Stance
Origame Digital, renowned for their acclaimed game Umurangi Generation, has launched a new project titled Penguin Colony. Notably, the game is currently barred from sales in Israel, bringing attention to a significant political statement.
Overview of Penguin Colony
Penguin Colony immerses players in a Lovecraftian horror narrative through the perspective of a penguin. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s story At the Mountains of Madness, this unique game invites players to navigate through a besieged penguin colony, under threat from various human factions seeking an ancient entity.
The game is currently available for PC, with plans for console releases scheduled for 2027.
Sales Ban in Israel
The game’s publisher, Fellow Traveller, confirmed that Penguin Colony is not for sale in Israel, a decision rooted in political solidarity. In response to inquiries from a Steam user in Israel, Fellow Traveller stated:
“While in general we seek to bring our games to as many potential players as possible, we believe strongly that developers have the right to control where their games are sold. In this case, the developer asked us to block sale in Israel. In the absence of more organised sanctions, this act is intended to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine. We fully support their decision.”
Political Messaging within Penguin Colony
The game’s narrative does not shy away from political commentary. A post-credits scene explicitly addresses the ongoing situation in Palestine, stating:
“The cowardice of the Games Industry during the ongoing genocide of Palestine by Israel will be recorded by the art it makes.”
Origame Digital has consistently incorporated political themes into their work, and Penguin Colony continues this tradition. Moreover, the game opens with a land acknowledgment that pays respect to the Indigenous Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people:
“This game was made on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land. The Kulin Nation never ceded sovereignty to the British Commonwealth. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging as Indigenous creatives working on land that isn’t our own. The land will always be Aboriginal Land no matter what.”
Industry Reactions
Recently, the gaming industry has witnessed further discussions surrounding political affiliations and game availability. For instance, the studio House House, creators of the celebrated game Big Walk, decided against releasing an Xbox version due to Microsoft’s connections with Israel, citing the company’s involvement in military operations.
Conclusion
As Penguin Colony explores deep-rooted themes of horror and societal issues through its gameplay, it stands as a testament to the growing intersection of politics and the gaming world. This decision not only reflects the studio’s commitment to their beliefs but also exemplifies the broader dialogues within the gaming community regarding socio-political issues.
