A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Buy Now$4.99 USD or more

The Novelist asks one central question: can you achieve your dreams without pushing away the people you love? The game focuses on Dan Kaplan, a novelist struggling to write the most important book of his career while trying to be the best husband and father he can be. The Kaplans have come to a remote coastal home for the summer, unaware that they're sharing the house with a mysterious ghostly presence: you.

Read the family's thoughts. Explore their memories. Uncover their desires and intervene in their lives. But stay out of sight; you can't help the Kaplans if they know there's a ghost in the house. It's up to you to decide how Dan's career and family life will evolve, but choose carefully; there are no easy answers, and every choice has a cost.

Dan's relationships – to his work, his wife, and his son – react and shift in response to your choices. With a different sequence of events in every playthrough, The Novelist gives life to a unique experience each time you play

The decisions you make will define the Kaplans' lives, but they may also tell you something about yourself.

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"A quite remarkable simulation of family life" – 8/10 – Edge
"Sincere, realistic writing and an inspired approach to player choice" – Polygon
"The Novelist affected me, deeply … I frequently cried" – Rock Paper Shotgun
"Stands head and shoulders above all others … well-written and genuinely moving" - Indie Game of the Year – Continue Play

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StatusReleased
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Rating
Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars
(52 total ratings)
AuthorOrthogonal Games
GenreAdventure
Tagschoice, family, Narrative, story
Average sessionA few minutes
LanguagesEnglish
InputsKeyboard, Mouse
AccessibilitySubtitles, Configurable controls
LinksSteam

Purchase

Buy Now$4.99 USD or more

In order to download this game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $4.99 USD. You will get access to the following files:

The Novelist (macOS) 289 MB
The Novelist (Linux) 289 MB
The Novelist (Windows) 287 MB

Comments

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(+1)

This game to me, was difficult to pick up -- but so hard to put down. I didn't think I was that invested in the game until after it finished and I think about it occasionally.

(+4)

Me the entire game: No one cares about your needs Linda, your kid is SAD.
Me at the end: Okay, time to chose Linda's ending. 
Beautiful game, beautifully written. 10/10. Want 5 more. <3

(+6)(-1)

You know it's gonna be a good game when you already care about the characters and not messing up their lives after reading the description