This week, the Epic Games Store is offering Escape Academy, a highly-rated game valued at $19.99. As revealed in their showcase, next week’s free title will be Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery, another well-received game typically priced at $12.99.
Players can claim this upcoming free game from January 23 at 16:00 UTC to January 30 at 15:59 UTC, allowing them to download it at no cost. Developed by Silver lining Studio, this adventure game is celebrated for its hand-drawn animations and a touching narrative.
in Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery, players step into the shoes of an aspiring artist striving to complete their final masterpiece for submission to a gallery. The game features a series of contextual puzzles spread across six chapters, each reflecting the artist’s daily activities.
One standout feature of the puzzles is their accessibility, designed for players who may not be familiar with customary gaming mechanics. Instead of complex systems, these puzzles encourage players to engage with their surroundings and think creatively.
The game draws important inspiration from Studio Ghibli, showcasing vibrant visuals and an immersive narrative experience. Rather than following a linear storyline, it emphasizes emotional resonance and the beauty of everyday moments.
As for player reception, the game has garnered an “extremely positive” rating on Steam, with over 4,400 player reviews. Many players have praised its comforting narrative style, which aligns with the “slice-of-life” genre. For more insights, check out the video below.
Q&A with Game Industry Expert on Epic Games Store Offerings
Time.news Editor (TNE): This week, the Epic Games Store is offering Escape Academy for free. What does this mean for players and the gaming market as a whole?
Expert (E): Offering free games is a smart strategy for epic Games Store. It not only attracts new players to the platform but also boosts the community engagement among existing users. For Escape Academy, a game valued at $19.99, this move increases visibility and encourages players to explore other titles on the platform.
TNE: Absolutely, and looking ahead, next week’s free title will be Behind the Frame: The finest Scenery. Can you tell us more about this game?
E: Yes! Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery is a beautifully crafted adventure game developed by silver Lining Studio. It typically retails for $12.99 and features hand-drawn animations along with a touching narrative. Players take on the role of an aspiring artist who is working on her final piece for a gallery submission. this unique premise creates a deeply engaging player experience.
TNE: That sounds intriguing! What sets Behind the Frame apart from other games in its genre?
E: One standout aspect of Behind the Frame is its accessibility. The puzzles within the game are designed to be inviting, especially for those not well-versed in traditional gaming mechanics. Rather than relying on complex systems,thay encourage players to think creatively and interact meaningfully with their surroundings. This design choice is essential for broadening the audience base.
TNE: The game seems to draw inspiration from Studio Ghibli. How does this influence the gameplay experience?
E: The influence of Studio Ghibli is evident in the game’s vibrant visuals and its emotional storytelling. Instead of a rigid narrative, the game emphasizes the beauty of everyday moments, aligning well with the “slice-of-life” genre. This approach resonates deeply with players, creating a more immersive and reflective experience.
TNE: Given the game’s positive reception, with an “extremely positive” rating on Steam and over 4,400 reviews, what implications does this have for developers in the industry?
E: The strong reception highlights the growing demand for games that focus on narrative depth and artistic expression. It signals to developers that players appreciate titles that prioritize emotional storytelling and artistic visuals over traditional action-oriented gameplay. For aspiring developers,Behind the Frame serves as a case study in successfully balancing accessibility with rewarding gameplay.
TNE: For players interested in claiming Behind the Frame,when can they download it for free?
E: Players can claim Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery from January 23 at 16:00 UTC to January 30 at 15:59 UTC. It’s a valuable prospect to experience a title that showcases the beauty of interactive storytelling.
TNE: Excellent advice for our readers. Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding the Epic Games Store’s strategy and its impact?
E: The Epic Games Store’s weekly free offerings are not only a great incentive for players but also a way to keep competition alive in the gaming market. As more platforms adopt similar strategies, it encourages developers to innovate and focus on quality. For players, it creates a vibrant landscape of games to explore without any financial barriers.
TNE: Thank you for your insights! It’s been a pleasure discussing the exciting offerings from the Epic Games Store.