Not For Broadcast

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Not For Broadcast
Not For Broadcast Key Art.png
Developer(s)NotGames[1]
Publisher(s)tinyBuild
Director(s)Alex Paterson
Engine
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release30 January 2020
Genre(s)
Mode(s)Single-player

Not For Broadcast is a full motion propaganda simulator developed by British video game studio NotGames and published by tinyBuild. The game released with its first episode in early access on 30 January 2020, with the developers planning to eventually include a total of three episodes.[2][3][4]

The game takes place in an unnamed European country (resembling the United Kingdom) in the mid-1980s,[a] where a new far-left political party named Advance has won a surprise landslide election and begins to handle the country in an authoritarian dystopian fashion. The player takes the role of Alex Winston, a studio director in a national Television station, having to produce a live broadcast, play adverts, censor swear words, and avoid interference in an effort to keep the viewership high.[5]

On early access release, Not For Broadcast received positive reviews, with praise going to its gameplay and mechanics while being criticised for confusing political storytelling.

Plot[]

The game is set in an alternate version of the 1980s, in a world physically identical to Earth but with different nations. The player character is Alex Winston, who works at the United Kingdom-analogue's largest television broadcaster, National Nightly News. Formerly a janitor, Alex is made studio director when their predecessor flees the country and Alex manages to edit the election night broadcast.

The story begins with the far-left political party Advance winning an unexpected victory. Advance implements a number of radical reforms such as wealth redistribution and nationalization of several large corporations. As time goes on, Advance becomes increasingly authoritarian in their governance. Additionally, the United Nations-analogue places harsh sanctions on the country, causing economic troubles. Alex must decide whether to paint Advance in a positive light on the news, or covertly promote the resistance group Disrupt.[6]

Development[]

The first episode of Not For Broadcast was released in Early Access on 30 January 2020, with the developers stating their intention to keep it in early access for approximately eighteen months while updating free new chapters.[7] Days before filming began for a second episode, the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom led to lockdowns which ceased all production. Instead of pausing production, the developers chose to create a bonus chapter titled Not For Broadcast: Lockdown, which contains a new storyline, with the cast being stuck at home "as they shelter from a rampaging horde of animatronic children's toys."[8][9] The chapter was released alongside a new challenge mode, featuring 4 different challenge variations.[10] Finally, a year after the original release, on 28 January 2021 a second episode was released, which showcased impacts of certain decisions in previous chapters and was released together with an hour-long documentary titled "Not for Broadcast: Lights, Camera, Lockdown," about how the development team behind the game reveals how they managed to produce two, video-filled updates of the game amidst a global pandemic.[11][12]

Reception[]

Not For Broadcast received generally positive reviews from critics in early access. The game was complimented for its innovative concept and gameplay, including the satirical over-the-top content video segments and the production control room mechanics.[13][14] Criticism went to its "on-the-nose political commentary," with Cass Marshall writing for Polygon "[the game is] laying it on pretty thick."[15][16] On Steam, the game has "overwhelmingly positive" user reviews.[7]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Depending on the player's choices, it is possible for one character to die; later, his tombstone is shown, displaying the dates 1944-1985.

References[]

  1. ^ "Satirical propaganda sim Not For Broadcast gets Episode 2 release date" (Press release). Games Press. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  2. ^ Morton, Lauren (13 January 2020). "Not For Broadcast is a hectic dystopian TV simulator". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  3. ^ Clayton, Natalie (1 February 2020). "Dystopian telly-wrangler Not For Broadcast is now live in early access". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  4. ^ Marshall, Cass (10 March 2020). "You'll be able to tank careers for higher ratings in Not for Broadcast's updates". Polygon. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  5. ^ Watts, Rachel (6 January 2020). "Manipulate the politics of a country in FMV game Not For Broadcast". PC Gamer. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  6. ^ NotGames. "Not For Broadcast". TinyBuild, 2020.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b LeClair, Kyle (4 February 2020). "My Time as a Dystopian News Editor in Not For Broadcast". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Keep the news on air from home in Not For Broadcast: Lockdown, out now" (Press release). Games Press. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  9. ^ Marshall, Cass (25 June 2020). "Not For Broadcast updates with the free Lockdown chapter". Polygon. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  10. ^ Broadley, Logan (28 January 2021). "Not For Broadcast gets a massive new update with Episode 2". PC Invasion. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  11. ^ Davis, Wes (29 January 2021). "Perpetuate Dystopia or Don't in Not For Broadcast - Episode 2". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  12. ^ "Acclaimed Newsroom Sim Not For Broadcast Launches Biting New Chapter!". PC Game. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  13. ^ "Not for Broadcast: un concept étonnant à peaufiner et perfectionner" [Not for Broadcast: an amazing concept to refine and perfect]. Jeuxvideo.com (in French). 26 February 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  14. ^ Priestman, Chris (30 January 2020). "Not For Broadcast mixes '80s newsroom satire with Papers, Please". PC Gamer. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  15. ^ Marshall, Cass (29 January 2020). "This high-pressure propaganda sim can't stop getting silly". Polygon. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  16. ^ Hogarty, Steam (4 February 2020). "Premature Evaluation: Not For Broadcast". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
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