Firewatch is an example of narrative perfection within the world of video games. Its huge success is exactly why developer Campo Santo created an Audio Tour mode, and now the developer has gone one step further. Firewatch fans can enjoy the audio tour in the form of an ebook, with a free 175 page PDF!
The ebook’s announcement was made by Panic on Twitter:
“Five years ago, we published Firewatch. It changed a lot of things for us. We were lucky to be a part of it. To celebrate, we’ve finally transcribed the built-in Firewatch Audio Tour — packed with development insight — into a 175-page PDF book. Enjoy.“
In case you weren’t aware, the game’s Audio Tour is essentially like a director’s style commentary that adds context to the game’s characters, events and artistic choices.
The Firewatch ebook has 175 pages across 85 chapters, offering plenty for avid readers! The PDF ebook also has a foreword from Panic’s Cabel Sasser, which details the Audio Tour’s journey to becoming an ebook:
“Firewatch was released on February 9th, 2016, which feels like simultaneously yesterday and four thousand years ago. Later, on September 21st, the game was updated to add a brand new mode: the Firewatch Audio Tour.
“At the start of this mode, in the prologue’s garage, Henry was provided with a Walkman and some headphones, and his world became dotted with audio tour stations. The stations dispensed an unlimited supply of cassette tapes, each of them revealing the stories behind Firewatch’s development. Some of the stations even had connected exhibits — signs and monitors showing concept art and tests. It was really cool.
“Due to time and technical constraints, though, the Firewatch Audio Tour could not have subtitles, limiting its accessibility and worldwide audience. So, over the course of a few years, I’ve gradually transcribed all of the Firewatch Audio Tour tracks, and they are all collected within for you. (My apologies in advance: there will almost certainly be typos and errors as I steamrolled towards the finish line.)”
Firewatch’s Audio Tour mode is a great way to revisit this indie classic. The addition of an ebook will also provide accessibility for more players than ever before!
Fancy giving Firewatch a try? The game’s currently available for download on PSN, Xbox Live and Steam. You can also download the ebook version of the game’s Audio Tour here.
Have you claimed your free Firewatch Audio Tour ebook?
Featured Image Credit: Campo Santo/Panic