# TOEM

> 2021 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q110468743](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110468743)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toem)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toem

## Summary
TOEM is a 2021 photography-themed video game developed by the four-person studio Something We Made and distributed by multiple entities including Annapurna Interactive. Released on September 17, 2021, the title serves as the first entry in the TOEM series and is available across Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 5. The game is recognized for its unique "photo-adventure" genre and has received critical acclaim, including a 90% recommendation rate on OpenCritic.

## Key Facts
*   **Release Date:** September 17, 2021.
*   **Developer:** Something We Made, a small studio consisting of 4 people.
*   **Genre:** Photography game (also known as a photo-adventure).
*   **Platforms:** Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 5.
*   **Series Position:** First installment in the TOEM series (part_of_series: TOEM, sequence: 1).
*   **Steam Application ID:** 1307580.
*   **IMDb ID:** tt15447950.
*   **ESRB Game ID:** 38369 (associated with platforms , , ).
*   **Official Website:** http://www.somethingwemade.se/toem (English language).
*   **Nominations:** Nominated for the Independent Games Festival Awards 2022.
*   **Review Scores:** 7/10 (Gameblog, Sept 13, 2021), 80/100 (Metacritic, Aug 31, 2022), 90% OpenCritic Critics Recommend (Aug 31, 2022).
*   **Aliases:** "TOEM: A Photo Adventure" and "TOEM : A Photo Adventure".
*   **Wikipedia Titles:** Available in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

## FAQs
**What platforms can I play TOEM on?**
The game is playable on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and the PlayStation 5 console. It is also accessible via digital storefronts such as Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store.

**Who created TOEM and how large is the team?**
TOEM was developed by Something We Made, a small independent studio comprised of exactly four people. This team is also responsible for developing the sequel, TOEM 2.

**What is the critical reception of the game?**
Critics have responded positively, with OpenCritic reporting a 90% recommendation rate based on 40 critics. Metacritic lists a score of 80/100, while Gameblog awarded it a 7/10 upon its initial release in September 2021.

**Is TOEM part of a larger franchise?**
Yes, it is the first entry in the TOEM series, which is described as a photo-adventure saga of video games. The sequel, TOEM 2, was also developed by the same studio.

**What awards or nominations has the game received?**
The title was nominated for the Independent Games Festival Awards in 2022. This nomination highlights its recognition within the independent game development community.

## Why It Matters
TOEM represents a significant contribution to the "photography game" genre, offering a distinct user interface and visual feedback loop centered around taking photos rather than traditional combat or puzzle mechanics. Its development by a micro-studio of only four people demonstrates the viability of small teams creating high-quality, multi-platform experiences that garner critical acclaim and industry nominations. The game's success has helped establish the TOEM series as a notable saga in the photo-adventure subgenre, influencing how user interaction with virtual environments is perceived through the lens of photography.

## Notable For
*   **Micro-Studio Development:** Created by "Something We Made," a team of only four individuals, proving small-scale development can yield multi-platform success.
*   **Genre Definition:** Explicitly categorized as a "photography game," distinguishing it from standard adventure titles.
*   **Critical Consensus:** Achieved a 90% "Critics Recommend" score on OpenCritic, indicating strong industry approval.
*   **Multi-Platform Reach:** Successfully launched on Linux, Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 5 simultaneously or in close succession.
*   **IGF Recognition:** Received a nomination at the prestigious Independent Games Festival Awards in 2022.
*   **Series Launch:** Serves as the foundational entry (sequence 1) for the TOEM photo-adventure saga.

## Body

### Development and Studio Background
TOEM was developed by Something We Made, a small studio specifically noted for having a team of 4 people. This studio is also the creator of TOEM 2, continuing the photo-adventure saga initiated by the first game. The software engine used for the title is documented in Wikipedia records as of October 14, 2022. The project is classified as a video game, an electronic game characterized by a user interface and visual feedback.

### Release and Distribution
The game was officially published on September 17, 2021. It is distributed by multiple entities, including Annapurna Interactive, and other distributors identified by Wikidata IDs , , and . The title is available through various digital storefronts, including Steam (Application ID: 1307580), GOG (Application ID: game/toem), Epic Games Store, Humble Store, Microsoft Store (Product ID: 9n7zcllr01b3), and the PlayStation Store (Concept ID: 10003267). It is also listed on the Nintendo Life Switch eShop and the Pure Xbox store.

### Platforms and Technical Specifications
TOEM runs on a diverse array of operating systems and consoles. Supported platforms include:
*   **Linux:** A family of Unix-like operating systems (inception: September 17, 1991).
*   **Microsoft Windows:** A family of computer operating systems developed by Microsoft (inception: November 20, 1985).
*   **macOS:** The operating system for Apple computers (inception: March 24, 2001).
*   **PlayStation 5:** Sony's ninth-generation and fifth home video game console.

The game is also accessible via Lutris and has specific identifiers on PC Gaming Wiki (ID: TOEM) and PC Guru (ID: 5813).

### Critical Reception and Reviews
The game has garnered specific scores from various review aggregators and publications. Gameblog awarded it a 7/10 on September 13, 2021. Metacritic lists a score of 80/100 as of August 31, 2022, based on 39 reviews. OpenCritic reports a 90% recommendation rate from 40 critics as of the same date. Additional identifiers for review databases include CriticDB (ID: 109637) and GamerProfiles (ID: QgvGx).

### Awards and Nominations
In 2022, TOEM was nominated for the Independent Games Festival Awards. This nomination was reported by GDC on their news platform, highlighting the game's standing among independent titles. The nomination is specifically linked to the "Independent Games Festival Awards 2022" event.

### Metadata and Identifiers
The game possesses a wide range of database identifiers used for tracking and cataloging:
*   **IMDb:** tt15447950
*   **SteamGridDB:** 5260970
*   **Metacritic:** toem (ID: 1300517418)
*   **GameStar:** 15136
*   **StopGame:** toem
*   **Gameswelt:** toem
*   **RAWG:** toem
*   **Deku Deals:** toem
*   **VG247:** toem
*   **VGList:** 41942
*   **Gematsu:** 764741
*   **Playground.ru:** toem
*   **Gry Online:** 23497
*   **GamesMeter:** 21323
*   **Game Informer:** toem
*   **GameSpot:** toem
*   **Nintendo Life:** switch-eshop/toem
*   **Pure Xbox:** xbox-series-x/toem
*   **GamerProfiles:** QgvGx
*   **Internet Game Database:** toem (ID: 118193)

### Series and Related Works
TOEM is the first part of the TOEM series. The series is defined as a photo-adventure saga of video games. The entity is linked to the studio Something We Made, which is known for developing both TOEM and its sequel, TOEM 2. The game's Wikipedia description is simply "2021 video game," and it has sitelinks in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

## References

1. On the growing appeal of photography games
2. Steam
3. [2021](https://www.gameblog.fr/jeu-video/jeux/tests/test-de-toem-un-delicieux-safarire-photo-384105)
4. OpenCritic
5. Nintendo eShop
6. [Source](https://gdconf.com/news/unpacking-and-inscryption-lead-igf-2022-nominations/)
7. [TOEM | Deku Deals](https://www.dekudeals.com/items/toem)
8. RAWG
9. Adventure Gamers
10. GameSpot
11. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
12. Game Informer
13. Trovo Live
14. Q124398839
15. GamesMeter.nl
16. PlayStation Store
17. Q117507113
18. VGChartz
19. Q131917281