Finally: "Walden," the video game

“Walden, a game,” was developed at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Interactive Media Divisions’ Game Innovation Lab and “simulates the experiment in living made by Thoreau at Walden Pond.” The game happens in a real-time, three-dimensional environment and replicates not only the actual geography of Walden Woods, but also the experiment of ascetic living that Thoreau conducted and recorded in “Walden” – an experiment that continues to be emulated by individualistic Americans today. According to the developers, the game “posits a new genre of play, in which reflection and insight play an important role in the player experience.” Spells, skirmishes, and seduction play no role in this documentary-esque game; instead, players are invited to live out Thoreau’s atomistic philosophy and discover life’s essence from the comfort of their own homes. Fullerton adds, “The game starts, as does the book, with the building of the cabin. It takes place in both the woods and in a section of Concord. The player takes on the task of fulfilling the basic needs of life that Thoreau discusses – food, fuel, shelter and clothing – and balances those tasks with seeking out the more ephemeral experiences that make up much of the book.”