The Game Boy is getting quite a few new releases, though admittedly some are re-releases / reskins of retro games. Some are brand new projects, though, and another on the way is The Machine. Published by Incube8 Games, it seems to be the result of a development partnership between Spacebot Interactive and solo developer Ben Jelter.
Ben Jelter in particular seems to be focused on producing unique experiences, and in the press release it’s highlighted that working on Game Boy projects – with all of the related restrictions – forces increased creativity and innovation.
Ben Jelter is an independent artist and game developer based out of Burlington, VT. His inspirations include surrealism, sci-fi, history, and game theory.
The Game Boy was Ben’s first console. Making a game on the system would have been a childhood dream if he believed it to be possible. Ben enjoys developing Game Boy games because the limitations of the system encourage a process of subtractive design.
Details on the game are still relatively thin outside of initial descriptions and screens, with more information promised in the future. The concept sounds interesting, though, with multiple endings promised.
In The Machine, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue numerous different storyline paths in an original dystopian world, exploring the inner workings of a gigantic machine and the people who inhabit it in the throes of an election that could dramatically shape the future. In this hierarchical society, your place in the world is determined at a young age through an aptitude test, which will allow you to experience each playthrough as a factory worker, a police officer, or more. Get to know those around you, and make decisions that could dramatically impact the future of your home and its inhabitants.
It’ll be a physical release when it eventually lands. Let us know what you think of its initial information and screens in the comments.
