This War of Mine

This tactics-based game explores the theme of war from a perspective that video games usually overlook: what is it like for someone on the run, forced to survive under the constant fear of discovery and death? What is it like to feel the breath of merciless pursuers on the back of your neck, whose motives remain a mystery? Players fight for their characters’ survival. They hide and scramble for every resource: paths, light, information, food, medicine – everything is in short supply. A black-and-white colour palette and visuals stripped down to the bare essentials emphasise the scarcity of resources. Finding friends and gathering information can be vital for survival, yet it will break your heart at the same time. For the larger the group, the greater the risk of being discovered. Players guide their charges through houses and catacombs, whilst the siege rages on all around them. This War of Mine draws us into its world and puts our nerves to the test. Your own survival may only be possible if you sacrifice others. A deeply tense moral dilemma.

The DCP Jury 2015