Unpacking

Lizzie Elliott

3 AM to 3 PM

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Unpacking - Steam

2 Hour Play Session

Description

Unpacking is a game about, well unpacking! Through this game you go through a series of 'albums' where you get to peek into the life of another and learn what stage of life they are in, what their interests are, etc.

The first album is dated 1997, where you can see that this might just be a young girl, who dearly loves pigs and plushies, she seems to have an interest in drawing and sports as well as enjoying music and some games (I noticed the Tomogachi and Gameboy(?) right away!) and she seems to have an interest in dance!
In the 2004 album you get to see that she is apparently starting college/university, she has taking a liking to perhaps space (there's a poster or two that are space themed), she still likes to draw and looks like she is taking it a bit seriously, she still likes pigs as seen by her pig plush, and has some action figures, which could mean she might be a collector.
Right away I noticed in the 2007 she seemed to be in a relationship, she is getting into TTRPGs (Table Top Roleplaying Games) is getting into video games some more and is still drawing, but it also looks like she has starting cosplaying, as seen by some wigs and the semi-finished costume (Which could also signal she likes sewing!) Likes to stay active! And has taken a interest in plants and bugs?
A significant change in the 2010 album is that she has moved into her boyfriends(?) place, where you see a bunch of music stuff and weights, lots of games (some are hers) her stuff has become very limited it seems, almost like there isn't a lot of room for her in his space (A lot of her stuff is missing, like the sewing machine and some of the music players she had previously), which could already signify the relationship quality. (She also still has a pet beetle from 2007 Album)
I made it to the 2012 one, where it seems she has broken up with the guy (probably good riddance) and she has moved back into her old room, where a lot of her old stuff is there, like the tomogachi, an old poster, her pig is still there and so is her pet beetle! As well as most of her books from previous albums and electronics (like her laptop and drawing tablet).

(1997 Album Screenshot)

(2007 Album Screenshot)

(2012 Album Screenshot)

Analysis

Having already analyzed the albums a bit in the description, I would say unpacking is not only a great game to settle down with and relax (until you start stressing about where something goes, because I may have not known where to put some things) but also a great way to learn about someone not only through their interests and posters, but also their items, the clothing they wear, the things they consistently keep around and the things that fade away. You get to learn about this girl and the stages of life she goes through, whether that be childhood, transcending into adulthood, going through struggles- and in doing so you can find yourself relating to things and be able to empathize with someone who you never get to see. Which I think really brings out the charm in unpacking.

Questions and Reflections

This game has definitely made me curious about my own personal belongings and how those might appear to someone else and how they might interpret it, and in doing so me. What would they think of me? What would their opinions be about my interests? And, do I do the same? Have I interpreted someone based on their items and belongings? Their clothes and interests? I'd have to say most likely.

It also makes me realize how we are always presenting/showing ourselves in some way, whether it be the way we dress, or the way we act, the way we may organize (if at all) or decorate our items and space. Its certainly a game that you can play with zero thoughts in your mind, but its also a game you could really use to reflect and try to understand someone based solely on their belongings, and perhaps even practice empathizing with someone who you might not know everything about, even if you do unpack all of their items: we won't know everything about a person based on just those materials.

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