# Unpacking

> 2021 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q105063670](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105063670)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unpacking_(video_game))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/unpacking

## Summary
Unpacking is a 2021 puzzle simulation video game developed by Australian studio Witch Beam. Players unpack belongings and arrange them in various living spaces across different life stages, with no timers or scores.

## Key Facts
- Released on November 2, 2021 worldwide for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Xbox Series X/S
- Developer: Witch Beam (founded May 15, 2013, Australia)
- Publisher: Humble Games and Humble Bundle
- Genre: Puzzle video game, simulation video game
- Language support: English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Russian, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish
- Sold over 1 million copies by November 2022
- Available on Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and mobile platforms

## FAQs
### Q: What platforms is Unpacking available on?
A: Unpacking is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices.

### Q: Is Unpacking a timed puzzle game?
A: No, Unpacking has no timers, scores, or fail states. It's a relaxing puzzle game focused on unpacking and arranging belongings at your own pace.

### Q: What makes Unpacking unique as a game?
A: Unpacking tells a story through environmental storytelling, where players learn about the character's life by unpacking their belongings across different living spaces and life stages.

## Why It Matters
Unpacking represents an innovative approach to narrative storytelling in games by using environmental design and object placement to convey character development and life events. The game demonstrates how interactive experiences can create emotional connections without traditional dialogue or cutscenes. Its success shows strong market demand for contemplative, non-violent games that offer meaningful experiences through simple mechanics. Unpacking has been recognized with multiple awards for its audio design, narrative, and overall excellence, proving that games can be both artistic and commercially successful while tackling themes of personal growth and domestic life.

## Notable For
- Won D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game (2022)
- Received App Store Award for Cultural Impact (2023)
- Nominated for multiple Game Developers Choice Awards and Independent Games Festival Awards
- Sold over 1 million copies within its first year
- Available in 11 languages, making it accessible to a global audience

## Body
### Development and Release
Unpacking was developed by Witch Beam, an Australian independent game studio founded in 2013. The game was released on November 2, 2021, simultaneously worldwide across multiple platforms. The development team focused on creating a relaxing, contemplative experience without traditional game mechanics like timers or scoring systems.

### Gameplay Mechanics
Players unpack boxes room by room, placing items in logical locations throughout various living spaces. The game progresses through different life stages, from childhood bedrooms to shared apartments and family homes. Items have specific placement rules, and the game provides feedback when objects are arranged satisfactorily.

### Story and Narrative
The narrative unfolds entirely through environmental storytelling. Players learn about the protagonist's life, relationships, and personal growth by examining the belongings they unpack. The items reveal details about the character's interests, career changes, and significant life events without any written or spoken dialogue.

### Technical Specifications
The game runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. It supports various input methods including keyboard, mouse, and gamepad. The game features a proprietary license and has been distributed through multiple digital storefronts including Steam, Epic Games Store, and mobile app stores.

### Critical Reception
Unpacking received positive reviews, with an average score of 82/100 on Metacritic and 88% critics recommend rating on OpenCritic. Critics praised its innovative storytelling approach, relaxing gameplay, and emotional resonance. The game's audio design, composed by Jeff van Dyck, received particular acclaim.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "Unpacking",
  "description": "A puzzle simulation video game where players unpack belongings and arrange them in various living spaces across different life stages.",
  "url": "https://www.unpackinggame.com",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unpacking_(video_game)",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105063670"
  ],
  "gamePlatform": [
    "Microsoft Windows",
    "macOS",
    "Linux",
    "Xbox Series X",
    "Xbox Series S",
    "PlayStation 4",
    "PlayStation 5",
    "Nintendo Switch",
    "iOS",
    "iPadOS",
    "Android"
  ],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Witch Beam"
  },
  "genre": [
    "Puzzle Video Game",
    "Simulation Video Game"
  ],
  "datePublished": "2021-11-02",
  "inLanguage": [
    "English",
    "French",
    "German",
    "Spanish",
    "Japanese",
    "Chinese",
    "Russian",
    "Korean",
    "Brazilian Portuguese",
    "Polish"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.interactive.org/awards/2022_25th_awards.asp#a_categories)
2. [Apple unveils App Store Award winners, the best apps and games of 2023](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/11/apple-unveils-app-store-award-winners-the-best-apps-and-games-of-2023/)
3. App Store (Apple)
4. OpenCritic
5. [2021](https://www.gameblog.fr/jeu-video/jeux/tests/test-dunpacking-un-placement-qui-rapporte-enormement-390421)
6. [Q131917281](https://criticdb.com/games/unpacking--1)
7. [Q131917281](https://criticdb.com/games/unpacking)
8. [Unpacking is out now!. 2021](https://witchbeam.com.au/2021/11/02/unpacking-is-out-now/)
9. Google Play
10. Nintendo eShop
11. [Source](https://gdconf.com/news/deathloop-it-takes-two-and-forza-horizon-5-lead-nominees-gdca-2022/)
12. [Source](https://gdconf.com/news/unpacking-and-inscryption-lead-igf-2022-nominations/)
13. [Source](https://www.interactive.org/awards/25th_annual_dice_awards_finalists_revealed.asp)
14. [Source](https://www.thegamer.com/valve-steam-awards-nominees-2021/)
15. [Meet the 2023 App Store Award finalists](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/11/meet-the-2023-app-store-award-finalists/)
16. [Apple Design Award 2024 finalists include Spatial Computing apps. 2024](https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/28/apple-design-award-finalists-announced-new-spatial-computing-category/)
17. [Unpacking | Unpacking Wiki | Fandom](https://unpacking.fandom.com/wiki/Unpacking)
18. [Source](https://twitter.com/UnpackingALife/status/1470563922474258435)
19. [Source](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/11/cosy-indie-darling-unpacking-has-sold-over-1-million-copies-since-launch)
20. Google Knowledge Graph
21. GameSpot
22. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
23. Steam
24. [Unpacking | Game UI Database](https://www.gameuidatabase.com/gameData.php?id=1219)
25. [Source](https://discord.com/invite/wDhJHrZrmn)
26. Game Informer
27. Trovo Live
28. Can I Play That? Games Codex
29. Q110996436
30. Giant Bomb
31. Q124398839
32. GamesMeter.nl
33. PlayStation Store
34. Game Input Database
35. VGChartz
36. Q131917281