# Broken Lines

> 2020 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q109232687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109232687)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/broken-lines

## Summary
Broken Lines is a 2020 strategy video game developed by the Danish studio PortaPlay and published by Blowfish Studios. Released initially for personal computers and later for consoles, it is a single-player title characterized by its mature content and indie development roots. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X and Series S.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** PortaPlay, a video game developer headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- **Publisher:** Blowfish Studios, an Australian developer and publisher founded in 2008 and based in Sydney.
- **Release Dates:** February 25, 2020 (Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux); December 14, 2022 (Xbox Series X and Series S).
- **Genre:** Strategy video game; classified as an indie game.
- **Game Mode:** Single-player video game.
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X and Series S.
- **Content Ratings:** ESRB Mature 17+ (for Blood, Strong Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, and Violence); PEGI 18.
- **Localization:** Supports English (full interface, voice acting, and subtitles), as well as French, German, Russian, Spanish, Polish, and Simplified Chinese (interface and subtitles only).
- **Distribution:** Available via digital distribution on platforms such as Steam and Nintendo eShop.
- **Reception:** Holds an OpenCritic Top Critic Average of 70/100 and a 56% "Critic Recommend" score based on reviews.
- **Website:** https://brokenlinesgame.com/
- **Steam Application ID:** 926580.

## FAQs
**Who developed and published Broken Lines?**
The game was created by PortaPlay, a Danish studio located in Copenhagen, and published by Blowfish Studios, an Australian company headquartered in Sydney.

**What platforms is Broken Lines compatible with?**
Broken Lines runs on Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows, as well as home consoles including the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X and Series S.

**What are the age ratings for Broken Lines?**
The game is rated Mature 17+ by the ESRB due to content involving blood, strong language, sexual themes, alcohol and tobacco use, and violence. It carries a PEGI 18 rating in Europe.

**When was Broken Lines released?**
The initial release for PC platforms occurred on February 25, 2020. The game was subsequently released on Xbox Series X and Series S on December 14, 2022.

**Does Broken Lines support multiple languages?**
Yes, the game features full support for English, including voice acting. It also offers interface and subtitle support for French, German, Russian, Spanish, Polish, and Simplified Chinese.

## Why It Matters
Broken Lines represents a collaborative effort between European (Danish) and Australian (Australian) game developers, illustrating the global nature of the indie video game industry. Its release across diverse operating systems—including Linux, alongside standard Windows and macOS support—demonstrates a commitment to platform accessibility within the strategy genre. Furthermore, the game's mature rating (ESRB M / PEGI 18) signifies a narrative or thematic complexity aimed at adult audiences, distinguishing it from casual strategy titles.

## Notable For
- Developed by PortaPlay in Denmark, with the country of origin listed as Denmark.
- Published by Blowfish Studios, a company established in 2008.
- Features a comprehensive English localization with voice acting, alongside text-only support for six other major languages.
- Achieved a specific OpenCritic score of 70/100 based on top critic averages.
- Available on the Nintendo Switch with a specific title ID of 0100BD8011BCC000.
- Distributed digitally via major storefronts including Steam, Nintendo eShop, and the Microsoft Store.

## Body

### Development and Publishing
Broken Lines was developed by PortaPlay, a video game developer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The publishing duties were handled by Blowfish Studios, a company headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Blowfish Studios was founded in 2008 and operates within the video game industry as both a developer and publisher. The collaboration between these two entities resulted in a title categorized specifically as an indie game and a strategy video game.

### Release and Platforms
The game was released on February 25, 2020, for personal computer platforms. This release supported Microsoft Windows, macOS, and the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems. Later, on December 14, 2022, the game expanded to home consoles, specifically the Xbox Series X and Series S. Additionally, the game is available on the Nintendo Switch, indicated by its presence on the Nintendo eShop and specific Nintendo Switch title IDs.

### Game Specifications
Broken Lines is designed as a single-player experience, falling under the strategy video game genre. The software utilizes a digital distribution format, meaning it is not available physically but rather as a digital download. The game's official website is hosted at brokenlinesgame.com.

### Content and Ratings
The game carries mature content ratings, reflecting its intended audience. In North America, the ESRB assigned a rating of Mature 17+, citing the presence of blood, strong language, sexual themes, the use of alcohol and tobacco, and violence. In European regions, the game received a PEGI rating of 18.

### Localization and Language Support
The game offers extensive language options. English is the primary language, with full support for the user interface, voice acting, and subtitles. Additionally, Broken Lines provides localized user interfaces and subtitles for French, German, Russian, Spanish, Polish, and Simplified Chinese.

### Reception
According to review aggregation data, Broken Lines received a mixed to positive critical response. It holds an OpenCritic Top Critic Average score of 70 out of 100, as recorded in early 2023. The "Critic Recommend" metric, which indicates the percentage of critics who recommend the game, stands at 56%.

### Distribution and Identifiers
The game is widely distributed across digital marketplaces. It is available on Steam (App ID 926580), the Nintendo eShop (ID: broken-lines-switch), and the Microsoft Store (Product ID: 9pcr6czbnsp8). The title is also indexed in numerous video game databases, including MobyGames (ID: 141127), IGDB (ID: 107175), and RAWG (ID: broken-lines). Other identifiers include a GameStar ID of 13587, a HowLongToBeat ID of 75532, and a PlayStation Store concept ID of 10003665.

## References

1. Microsoft Store
2. PCGamingWiki
3. Steam
4. Mod DB
5. OpenCritic
6. Online Games-Datenbank
7. Nintendo eShop
8. [Source](https://howlongtobeat.com/game.php?id=75532)
9. GameSpot
10. [Source](https://www.igdb.com/games/broken-lines)
11. [Source](https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Broken_Lines)
12. [Source](https://www.indiedb.com/games/broken-lines)
13. [Source](https://www.moddb.com/games/broken-lines)
14. [Source](https://brokenlines.gamepedia.com/)
15. [Source](https://ogdb.eu/index.php?section=title&titleid=46825)
16. [Source](https://videogamegeek.com/videogame/302570)
17. [Source](https://lutris.net/games/broken-lines)
18. [Source](https://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/requirements/_/18975)
19. [Source](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/broken-lines)
20. [Source](http://www.gameblog.fr/jeux/12319_-)
21. [Source](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/game/broken-lines/)
22. Nintendo World Report
23. Holarse
24. Q124398839
25. GamesMeter.nl
26. PlayStation Store
27. GOG Dreamlist