The city of Mariupol in Ukraine was heavily bombarded during the initial months of Russia’s invasion in 2022. The attacks caused extensive damage to residential buildings, resulting in the death or displacement of thousands of people. Currently under Russian occupation for almost two years, the city has undergone significant transformation, erasing its Ukrainian heritage, as reported by the Associated Press.
Inspired by Disco Elysium, the RPG game Hollow Home serves as a tribute to Mariupol before the war. While not an exact replica, the game captures the essence of the city through details, colors, personalities, and familiar landmarks. Artist Anastasia Hlyniana, speaking at a demo during Digital Dragons in Poland, pointed out the presence of plants growing from old car tires on the game’s isometric map, a common sight in Mariupol.
Development of Hollow Home began in 2022, following Mariupol’s occupation, drawing inspiration from journalistic coverage of the invasion. The game’s narrative revolves around fictional characters, particularly 14-year-old Maksym, navigating the challenges of survival and helping others amidst the war. With a timeline spanning 30 in-game days, Hollow Home offers a unique perspective on the impact of conflict on civilians and the transformation of neighborhoods as residents face adversity.
Distinctive for its pen-and-paper role-playing style and vibrant graphic novel aesthetics, Hollow Home echoes the essence of ZA/UM’s game. However, the game’s writing maintains a somber and respectful tone, reflecting the ongoing devastation in Mariupol. Hlyniana emphasized the game’s focus on storytelling and portraying the city’s evolution through the eyes of its inhabitants.
In Hollow Home, players guide Maksym through daily tasks using a limited supply of action points for activities like cooking and first aid, based on character traits. The initial gameplay section focuses on light-hearted tasks, such as fixing a satellite dish or setting high scores at the arcade, before transitioning into more serious themes as the war escalates. Players will interact with a diverse cast of characters, reflecting on the community’s response to the impending conflict.
As the game progresses, players will witness the city’s evolution, with some areas destroyed and others transformed into shelters or volunteer centers. Hollow Home offers multiple endings, aiming to provide around 24 hours of gameplay across three distinct districts, creating a comprehensive depiction of a typical Ukrainian city.
While discussing the game’s release on platforms like Steam, Hlyniana acknowledged the challenge of presenting a memorial work in a commercial context. Despite the complexities, Hollow Home is set for release in 2025, offering a poignant exploration of Mariupol’s story amidst a backdrop of conflict and resilience.
