Solo developer Zeekerss has carved a niche for himself in the gaming industry, particularly with his creation, Lethal Company, which has emerged as one of the most impactful games in recent years. However, this title is merely the latest in a series of eerie experiences crafted by the talented game designer. His portfolio includes the unsettling It Steals, the nostalgic survival horror game Dead Seater, and the physics-driven thriller The Upturned. This prolific output makes it all the more intriguing that his newest project has taken longer to develop than any of its predecessors.
The Long Journey of Welcome to the Dark Place
Welcome to the Dark Place is a chilling single-player text adventure that draws inspiration from classics like Zork and Kentucky Route Zero. Zeekerss has dedicated over a decade to its development, a timeline he attributes to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the text-based genre. In an interview with GamesRadar, he shared insights into the prolonged development process, noting that the very ease of creating text adventures can lead to endless iterations of ideas. “The strength of the text-based genre is that its scope isn’t limited by the need to make 3D models and textures and mechanics,” he explained.
Moreover, Zeekerss aimed to enhance the immersive experience of Welcome to the Dark Place by incorporating tailored audio for each element of the game. This involved utilizing heavily edited sound effects from various free sources, as well as recording sounds contributed by family and friends. “I’d write and write and write, then regret it afterwards when I had to do the audio work,” he admitted, revealing that this complexity often led him to pause the project in favor of others, including the development of Lethal Company.
During the conversation, Zeekerss also reflected on the inspirations that shaped Welcome to the Dark Place. He first encountered Zork at the tender age of 10, recalling it as a game that felt both realistic and mysterious. Additionally, the “magical realism” found in Kentucky Route Zero captivated him, particularly the way it invites players into intricate, text-based narratives that encourage exploration of the story’s depths.
Released in October, Welcome to the Dark Place is available for free. While it may not have reached the same level of popularity as Lethal Company, it has garnered a positive reception from players, achieving a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam. Those who have ventured into this dark narrative have found it to be a rewarding experience, showcasing Zeekerss’ dedication to his craft and his ability to weave compelling tales through the medium of text.
