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Unread header art

Unread

Explore a simulated 1990s computer left running by someone who never came back. Search its files, uncover hidden games, and piece together their story.

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Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Search Google: Who developed Unread?Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Search Google: Who published Unread?Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Search Google: Is Unread self-published or published by Panimu?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Unread and Panimu funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Unread and Panimu?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Search Google: What is the release status of Unread?Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

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About the Game

Somebody left their computer on

Unread starts in front of an old CRT monitor, running an operating system that disappeared decades ago.

A Computer, Fully Simulated

Boot into a fake DOS prompt before dropping into a Windows 95-style desktop, complete with a file system, taskbar, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, and all the other little frustrations of a real operating system.

Nothing is just decoration. Every folder opens. Every program runs. Even the CRT effect can be switched off from inside the game if you'd rather see everything clearly (look in Accessibility).

A Story You Have to Go Looking For

Nobody explains what happened.

The story is scattered across files, emails, logs, and whatever the previous user left behind. Read things in any order you like. Piece enough together and a picture starts to emerge.

More Than Files

Not everything on this machine is a document. Some of what's buried in the file system turns out to be something else entirely. Finding it is part of the experience.

Set the Tone Yourself

This isn't a jump-scare game. It's slower and quieter than that, closer to unease than fright, more interested in what someone left behind than in making you flinch. Take it at your own pace, completion is when you're satisfied.

Features

  • Explore a fully simulated PC with a DOS prompt and Windows 95-style desktop

  • Piece together the story through emails, documents, audio recordings, and other files

  • Several hidden games in different genres, discoverable by actually poking around

  • A toggleable CRT screen effect, on by default, off if you'd rather not

  • Steam Achievements tied to things you'll only find by exploring