Firewatch
Atmospheric first-person adventure game about a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness, exploring themes of isolation, relationships, and personal escape.
Category
Game
Release Year
2013
Origin
USA
Tags
adventurenarrativeindiewildernessmysteryatmospheric
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Firewatch
Aliases
Fire Watch
Type
First-Person Adventure Game
Release Year
2013
Status
Completed
Origin
United States
Region
Not specified
Creation Information
Creator
Sean Vanaman, Jake Rodkin
Publisher
Campo Santo, Panic Inc.
Original Work
Video Game
Genre
Adventure, Mystery, Walking Simulator, Narrative, Drama
Content Information
Synopsis
Henry takes a job as a fire lookout in Wyoming wilderness to escape his troubled life, developing a relationship with supervisor Delilah through radio conversations while investigating mysterious events.
Main Characters
Henry (protagonist fire lookout), Delilah (supervisor via radio)
Setting
Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming, 1989
Themes
Isolation, escapism, human connection, responsibility, middle-age crisis, marriage difficulties
Target Audience
Adult gamers, narrative game enthusiasts, indie game fans
Characters
Delilah
Supervisor/Radio CompanionU.S. Forest ServiceFemale30s-40s
Henry's supervisor who communicates with him via radio, becoming his primary human connection during his isolation.
Abilities: Forest Management, Radio Communication, Leadership...
Quotes:
"Good morning, Henry!"
""I am Delilah.""
"Sometimes the best relationships are built on distance."
character
Henry
Protagonist/Fire LookoutU.S. Forest ServiceMale40s
Middle-aged man who takes a fire lookout job in Wyoming to escape his troubled personal life and failing marriage.
Abilities: Fire Detection, Wilderness Survival, Radio Communication...
Quotes:
"I needed to get away from everything."
""I am Henry.""
"Sometimes running away is the only way to find yourself."
character
Paranoia and Conspiracy
Psychological AntagonistPsychologicalUnknown
The mounting paranoia and conspiracy theories that plague Henry and Delilah throughout the summer.
Abilities: Psychological Manipulation, Fear Induction, Paranoia Creation...
Quotes:
"Something's not right here."
""I am Paranoia and Conspiracy.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Brian Goodwin
Tragic FigureGoodwin FamilyMaleChild (at time of death)
Ned's deceased son whose tragic death in the wilderness years ago haunts the forest and drives his father's actions.
Abilities: Brian Goodwin's Special Ability
Quotes:
"Dad, can we explore more tomorrow?"
""I am Brian Goodwin.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Government Research Team
Red HerringGovernment ResearchUnknown
Mysterious researchers conducting studies in the forest, initially suspected of conspiracy but revealed to be legitimate...
Abilities: Scientific Research, Data Collection, Environmental Study
Quotes:
"Our research is classified, but it's for environmental protection."
""I am Government Research Team.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Media Forms
Video Games
Firewatch (2016) - PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Merchandise
Art prints, soundtrack, limited edition items
Digital Content
Developer commentary, behind-the-scenes content
Books
Art book, developer interviews
Commercial Information
Sales
Over 1 million copies sold across all platforms
Revenue
Multi-million dollar success for indie studio
Awards
IGF Excellence in Visual Art, BAFTA Games Award nominations
Critical Reception
81/100 Metacritic, praised for narrative and art direction
Cultural Impact
Influenced narrative-driven indie games, popularized walking simulator genre
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Dedicated indie game community, narrative game enthusiasts
Communities
Reddit r/Firewatch, Steam forums, indie game communities
Events
Indie game festivals, developer talks, art exhibitions
Quotes
Good morning, Henry!, The tower's not going anywhere, Something's not right here
Memes
Radio conversations, conspiracy theories, beautiful screenshots
Fan Art
Landscape photography inspired by game, digital art recreations
Historical Development
2013
Campo Santo founded by former Telltale Games developers
2014
Firewatch announced with striking visual style
2016
Game releases to critical acclaim and commercial success
2017
Nintendo Switch version released
2018
Campo Santo acquired by Valve Corporation
2021
Game continues to influence indie narrative games
Related Links
www.firewatchgame.com
www.enjoyip.com