Link Steam
indiegame.fan
Helpless header art

Helpless

In the heat of deserted lands, a child and their mother weakened by sickness try to survive a harsh world. Through a kid’s perspective, take action and explore the remains of a lost past. Protect yourself from the sun’s deadly intensity and help your family get back on the road.

Steam Page
Developer
Bonne Journée Studio
Publisher
UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias
Release
March 10, 2023
3 years and 146 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive263 reviews89.0%

Does this feel indie?

Vote based on whether this game feels indie to you. You can change your vote at any time. Results earn an IGF score after 10 accepted votes.
No votes yet
Vote on More Games
Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
The separate publisher has a broad catalog or developer network in the local database.
Search Google: Is Helpless self-published or published by UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Helpless and UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Helpless and Bonne Journée Studio?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The game was released through a separate publisher.

Media

10 items

About the Game


A mother and her child are trying desperately to find shelter in order to survive harsh conditions. A tragic event makes them come together more than ever. On top of everything, their only way to travel breaks down.

In HELPLESS, take the role of a kid and explore a decaying land where the sun ruined civilization as we know it. Find abandoned places and scavenge them for items in order to make sense of the world you’re in. All the help you need during this perilous trip might come to you in unexpected forms.



UNCOVER A LOST PAST
Find items and different locations to understand your surroundings.

HIDE FROM THE SUN
Cover yourself from the dangers of the sun and carefully manage your moves.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS
Share your findings with your mom by interacting with her and get better knowledge about your family with the support of a new friend.

CONTEMPLATE COMPELLING VISUALS
Look at the world around you with dynamic cameras and a semi-realistic art style.



  • 26 achievements to unlock
  • Original soundtrack
  • Multiple collectibles to find
  • English and French versions
  • Colorblind-friendly
  • Survivor or Explorator mode
Indie Game Fan