In an intriguing turn of events, a demo of the long-lost PC game based on George Orwell’s 1984 has resurfaced online, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lost Media Busters. This project, known as Big Brother, was conceived as a first-person adventure game by MediaX, a studio with a history of creating engaging multimedia experiences, including Queensrÿche’s Promised Land and the interactive autobiography On the Road with BB King.
The Concept Behind Big Brother
Unlike the original novel, Big Brother was envisioned as a sequel, introducing a new protagonist named Eric Blair—a nod to Orwell’s real name. The narrative follows Blair’s return to his homeland, where he discovers that his fiancée has mysteriously vanished amidst a world ruled by Big Brother and the Thought Police.
Players would embark on a quest to locate Blair’s missing fiancée, navigating through diverse levels filled with environmental puzzles. Along the way, they would encounter revolutionaries who would assist them in their mission, provided they could help in the fight against the oppressive regime.
The game generated considerable excitement in 1998, making appearances at E3 and being featured in various magazines and news outlets. Anticipation was high for its expected release in the Autumn of that year. However, the project ultimately fell silent, missing its launch window and fading into obscurity.
For years, all builds of Big Brother were thought to be lost, until recently when a user known as Shed_Troll uploaded a demo to archive.org. This unexpected revival offers a glimpse into what could have been, allowing a new generation of players to experience the game. For those interested in exploring this piece of gaming history, the demo is available for download.
Additionally, footage of the demo has been captured by Mr^Burns, providing a visual insight into the game’s design and mechanics. This rediscovery not only reignites interest in a forgotten project but also highlights the enduring legacy of Orwell’s work in contemporary media.
