What is the inspiration behind a video game? It’s an interesting question for any kind of video game, but the answers are most fascinating for ones with political messaging, a bleak outlook, and/or a hidden meaning behind every interaction.

Devlogs are one of the best ways for developers to let their audience in on the creative process, and Celestial Return is one such game where the Devlogs give incredible insight into it. Developer Metaphor Games and publisher Shoreline Games have released three prior Devlogs, covering “the neon-washed surface of the game, unpacking its design, influences, and fractured musical identity.” In the most recently released Devlog, however, it covers the inspiration behind the setting.

Devlog #4’s press release touches on the purpose and meaning behind Celestial Return‘s setting, New Stratum:

“New Stratum is not intended to represent one particular city or place. Instead, it captures a feeling: the sense that nothing ever fully settles, that prosperity remains visible but always slightly out of reach, and that every step forward is slowed by systems designed to preserve themselves.”

It also explores the game’s protagonist, Detective Howard, and his purpose in the world of Celestial Return:

“Detective Howard stands at the centre of that conflict. He is not simply navigating a city built to resist change, but acting with a courage his creators admit they have not always found within themselves. Through Howard, the game explores the things we imagine doing, the stands we wish we had taken, and the uncomfortable distance between feeling as though we are living and actually choosing to act.”

To understand the whole of the developers’ inspiration for Celestial Return‘s setting and message, Devlog #4 is linked below. Devlogs #1, #2, and #3 are also linked for the full picture of the game’s production and how everything comes together to tell its story. Follow us for more news on the game as it comes out! And if this world intrigues you, download Celestial Return on Steam.