The Stanley Parable

by Galactic Cafe

The Developer Says...

The Stanley Parable is a first person exploration game. You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will have a choice, you will have no choice. The game will end, the game will never end.

Players Like...

❤ Exploring Choice and Narrative in a Subversive Manner

The game places you in the role of an office worker named Stanley, but this is just the starting point for a unique and highly acclaimed experience. Unlike traditional games, the experience does not follow a linear, predetermined narrative. Instead, the game presents you with a series of choices and branching paths, each leading to a different outcome and story.

❤ Defying the Narrator's Guidance

A nameless Narrator guides your journey, often sarcastically commenting on your actions and attempting to steer you towards a specific narrative. However, you have the freedom to defy the Narrator's instructions, leading to unexpected and often humorous consequences. This meta-commentary on game design and player agency is a core part of the gameplay, providing you with a thought-provoking and self-reflective journey.

❤ Extensive Replayability and Branching Paths

The game is renowned for its extensive replayability, with numerous possible endings and branching paths for you to explore. Each playthrough can lead to a different outcome, ranging from the mundane to the absurd, and even the "true" ending is open to interpretation. This encourages you to experiment with your choices, seeking out new paths and discovering the game's many hidden secrets and surprises.

❤ Dynamic Narrator Reactions

The Narrator's role is a crucial part of the experience, as they react dynamically to your actions, often providing sarcastic or even hostile commentary. This creates a unique and engaging dialogue between you and the game, with the Narrator's reactions reflecting your choices and subverting your expectations.

❤ Gameplay as Metaphor

Beyond the surface-level exploration and narrative choices, the game uses its gameplay as a metaphor for broader themes and ideas. It explores notions of free will, the nature of storytelling, and the relationship between the player and the game designer. Through its interactive experience, the game invites you to reflect on your own assumptions and the nature of your role in the gaming medium.

About | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Copyright ©2024 by Totally Human Media