In 2025, the gaming community was thrilled by the unearthing of a long-lost project connected to George Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, 1984. The alpha demo of a game titled Big Brother, which was believed to be lost to time, surfaced online, offering a rare glimpse into what could have been an intriguing adaptation of Orwell's themes through interactive storytelling.
Big Brother was first showcased at E3 1998, sparking excitement with its ambitious concept. Unfortunately, the project was canceled in 1999, leaving many to speculate about its unrealized potential. Fast forward 27 years, and in March 2025, the alpha build of the game was shared online by a user named ShedTroll. This unexpected release reignited interest in the game and highlighted its innovative design approach.
The storyline of Big Brother centered around Eric Blair, a nod to Orwell's real name, who embarks on a mission to rescue his fiancée from the clutches of the Thought Police. The gameplay ingeniously combined puzzle-solving elements similar to Riven with action-packed sequences inspired by Quake. This mix was intended to challenge players both mentally and physically, while immersing them in a chilling portrayal of a surveillance-driven society.
Although Big Brother never made it to a full release, its rediscovery provides valuable insights into the game development trends of the late '90s and the creative approaches developers took to adapt literary classics into interactive narratives. For enthusiasts of dystopian fiction and retro gaming, this find is a treasure trove worth delving into.
