The Westport Independent
The Westport Independent is a censorship simulator taking place in a post-war country, governed by the recently elected Loyalist Party. As the editor of one of the last independent newspapers in the country, your job is to remove and edit the content of your paper, affecting the people’s opinion of both the rebels and the Loyalist government. With an increase of rebel activity and an ever watching government breathing down your neck, whose truth will you print?
Features
- Change the content and meaning of your articles by censoring them to your liking. While you can’t lie, you don’t have to tell the whole truth either.
- Employees with fleshed out character, who will not only react to your actions, but also discuss them with other colleagues.
- Receive letters and messages from public figures, rebel leaders, employees and other characters affected by your actions.
- Adaptive stories where your actions affect the opinions of the people, which affects what happens in the city, which in turn affects the stories you receive.
Awards and recognition
- Biggest surprise at The MIX GDC 2015, IGN
- Part of "Three Cool Surprises From PAX 2015", from Kotaku
- Part of "The Very Best Indie Games of GDC 2015", from Gameinformer
- The Best of GDC 2015, 148 apps
Category : Simulation
Reviews (25)
One of the best text based games I've had the pleasure of playing. The employers dynamics, the game mechanics and the variability in outcomes are so very well crafted. Its a pity it was such a short game and there are no sequels or updates post 2016. Very beautifully made, can play it over and over for different final results.
I really enjoy the soundtrack you chose, and the pixelated everything. Along with the Authoritarian government, this game reminds me a lot of Papers Please, one of my favorite games. I hope to see more games from you in the future. [Oh, you made Goat Sim] (PS I think it could be a cool idea if you started an extended mode, where you can play for a few more weeks after the bill passed, to see the effects of your actions, rather than the typewriter ending, even though that was pretty cool as well)
This was amazing. The pixellated graphics are smooth and beautiful, and the stories are fantastic. I love that it isnt too easy, it actually makes you choose what to edit out or what to publish. The gake causes you to understand that no matter what side you choose, there are consequences. Brilliant.
Very enjoyable, has an interesting story about journalistic integrity and media manipulation. It also has no ads or in-app purchases which is a definite plus nowadays! I love hearing the group's conversations and the variety of different endings you can get. ❤❤❤
The quality of this game made me question if it's a free game. Despite of somewhat short timeline, compared to other games (but I think the timeline is just perfect), it is truly engaging. 5/5 stars!
This game is very reminiscent of Papers, Please! (Which is an absolutely wonderful thing in my mind) Full of political commentary and thoughtful decisions, I played the entire story in one night. I LOVED this. Even the art style was fantastic. Occassionally I struggled to see how certain articles correlated to the rebels versus loyalists, but that may be due to my issues in deciphering tone. (Or just my anti-government nature irl)
The fact that this is free kind of baffles me. Reminds me somewhat of the style of papers please. The world of the game is very interesting, I always wanted more information about how things got the way they did. The gameplay can be a bit unclear as to what means what as in what consequences your actions have but it's still a fun time trying to get the best ending
This game portrays corruption and propaganda in the media, and in politics really well. It has a similar feel that "Papers, Please" has which I really enjoy. I believe there are multiple different endings you can achieve if you play long enough which means this game doesn't have a short playthrough time. Overall this game is great!
fantastic game. i enjoyed playing around with the headlines and the censorship alongside the marketing mechanic. love how the cover of the newspaper changes to 8 possible versions depending on its audiences. the graphics are right down my alley as well. reminds me of papers please in terms of art style :)
Great, unique and meaningful gameplay that effectively immerses you in the role of an Editor. Good choice of aesthetic as well. Loved the story, hundred out of a ten
Exciting game overall. Interesting playthrough where you could control all aspect in newspaper business: the marketing, the reporter allocation, what kind of news you will cover. The interesting story also bring something extra to the table. Wish there's an unlimited mode or more diverse stories to cover.
This game is an absolute masterpiece, I stumbled upon this game when I searched up Papers, Please and though I searched for silver, I discovered gold! The artwork, the characters, the storyline all makes this one of the best mobile games I've ever played.
This is a really cool game and I honestly love it. Only thing I noticed is sometimes during the highest possible Loyalist ending, when it shows the characters outcomes, names get repeated(showed Phil being a politician and then at the end working in the newspaper. Anne's outcome was removed). Generally I notice Phil's outcome either repeats or two different ends with Phil show, ignoring Anne and not showing her outcome.
Game is astounding, the sounds are done right, characters and lore are well made, and you perfectly captured a totalitarian/authoritarian regime in the theme of a game, I hope to see the game expand and grow, maybe even a sequel or prequel?
You know what. This game was amazing. It all about really thinking about which direction you want to go in and what you achieve with each article. Really enjoyed it
The game has nice artstyle, music and good story, and it feels like your choices actually do matter. I would reccomend it to anyone who wants a strategic experience
Brilliant idea, clunky execution. Really wanted to enjoy it, but the interface is really off putting. I did enjoy editing the news in a dystopic state though!
A glimpse into how every interest group's propaganda works. I played it a few times trying to sway public opinions different ways; especially difficult trying to turn a certain district into rebels without being shut down by the government. Wish there are more slots.
this game is absolutely mindblowing for a free game, the visuals are amazing, the storytelling is great with no extra DLC, in-app purchases or even god damn ads. 10/10.
I loved the game but the game needs to be continued or add on more stories like weekly stories or monthly stories so we can continue with the game. I completed this game in just 2 hours than had to delete it coz there's nothing to do now.
This game is amazing! But the gameplay is a little short and it reminds the graphics of "Papers please"
Not bad. Wish there was more, but I understand why it is set up how it is. Some replay value in getting different endings, but not a lot. Love the style and feel, as well as the actual system.
------------------------------------------------ A truly amazing game, amazing story and plot, I cant discribe how much this sucked me in, I highly recommend playing this game. ------------------------------------------------
Good overall theme. Apart from a few spelling errors, fun game to play. Has decent replay value, just wish it was slightly longer.
The gameplay needs some work, but this has a great amount of potential. The setting is reminiscent of 1984, and the gameplay/graphics are obviously inspired by Papers Please, though I think both are better: Not having a time limit is a great change, and the graphics are a lot more fleshed out. The music and sounds are also great, and help set the mood. Overall, a great project with a lot of potential, major props to the creators.