Since the first time I saw a screenshot of a game featuring a young Iñupiaq girl and her arctic fox companion earlier in the year, I was completely captivated and wanted to know more about the title. The game in question was Never Alone, also known as Kisima Ingitchuna, is an atmospheric puzzle-platformer that features both single and co-op play. The protagonists, Nuna and an arctic fox, must work together to overcome the challenges they face; each character features a unique skill set and abilities. Gameplay involves switching between the two in single-player, alternatively a second player is able to jump in and join at any time, working in unison in co-op play. Now I’ve always been a fan of puzzle games, however, Never Alone has a very unique quality that makes the title quite entrancing - it is the first “World Game”.

The Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) is a provider of social, educational, and employment services to Alaska Native people. The CITC wanted to find a new way to create a source of revenue through its for­-profit subsidiary, CITC Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), whilst increasing the level opportunities for Alaska Native people and sharing their culture with new audiences. Eventually the decision was made that they wanted to use the game format “to share, celebrate and extend cultures throughout the world” by creating a title based on Alaska Native culture and stories.

CEI discovered the perfect partners to embark on this new project with in E-Line Media, a company with a lot of experience in creating games to engage and educate its audiences. Their partnership began the creation of Never Alone; the first game built on Alaska Native myths and stories, actually licensed from a living descendant of the first family recorded telling the story. It’s also the first game to use an inclusive development process with the Alaska Native community, as well as incorporating Alaska Native elders and storytellers into the development team. Never Alone is a game that breaks many moulds, it’s the first commercial game to be conceived and funded by indigenous North American people. It may be the first “World Game”, but I sincerely hope it’s not the last.

The premise of Never Alone is based on the story of Kunuuksaayuka, where an endless blizzard threatens the survival of the Alaska Native people. The team worked closely with Minnie Gray, the Iñupiaq elder whose father was first recorded as telling the story, to ensure that the themes and messages of Kunuuksaayuka were accurately portrayed in the game.

Although the game centres around the story of the endless blizzard, Never Alone ties in many Alaska Native stories. Players will encounter many characters from Iñupiaq folklore, such as Manslayer, the Little People, Helping Spirits, and Blizzard Man. Never Alone will feature a diverse environment, with Nuna and her fox exploring the tundra, coastal villages, ice floes, and a mysterious forest.

While playing and enjoying the beautifully crafted world of Never Alone, players will be able to unlock special video insights of the Iñupiaq community sharing their wisdom and stories.

The release of Never Alone is close at hand, it’s due to release for digital download on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Steam on November 18, 2014. This title promises to be a truly remarkable and evocative game, personally I think it’s going to fulfil that promise. Make sure you don’t miss out on what could be one of the greatest games of the year - check out Never Alone later this month. If you’re still not completely captivated by the idea of this game then check out the video below.

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Meg Pelliccio

Editor at Geeks Don't Lie

Meg appreciates gaming on all formats, but primarily spends her time achievement hunting to the extreme. Her passion for gaming began as a child, when first introduced to the Amstrad. A collector of gaming consoles past and present, Meg spends as much of her time rediscovering old classics as she does playing the latest releases.