Inspired by Real-Life Encounters with Chilean Politics: A Journey into the Depths of Long Gone Days

Earlier this month, Camila Gormaz, now 32 years old, witnessed her video game, Long Gone Days, which she wrote, developed, and illustrated at the age of 12, come to life. Long Gone Days is a modern-day JRPG that takes a unique approach to war, shifting the focus to the realities beyond the violence.

The game revolves around the protagonist, Rourke, who grows up in a private military company called The Core. It is only during his first mission, where he represents the Polish army, that he discovers the organization he idolized is not what he had imagined. After Rourke deserts his post and attempts to halt the military's actions, players embark on a story-driven journey where they forge friendships and search for hope. This I Dreamt, a three-person team consisting of co-writer and artist Gormaz, co-writer and game designer Pablo Videla, and programmer Camilo Valderrama, developed the game. In a recent interview with our website, the developers revealed that their creation was influenced by various factors, including their personal experiences during Augusto Pinochet's authoritarian military dictatorship in Chile, which spanned from 1973 to 1990.

The Use of Unique Characters and Multi-cultures

When Gormaz started writing Rourke, her aim was to delve into the depths of an emotional character within a "world where emotions remain hidden." At the outset of the game, snippets of Rourke's thoughts and feelings are presented, but neither he nor the players are able to dwell on them for too long due to the necessity of obeying orders. Players will have the chance to enter a sniper mode, accompanied by limited ammunition, adding pressure to successfully hitting all essential targets.

Despite her passion for video games and her pursuit of becoming a developer, Gormaz did not possess a video game console. Consequently, she relied heavily on Nintendo Power to acquaint herself with various characters. It was there that she discovered Crono, a character from the JRPG Chrono Trigger, whose red hair inspired the appearance of Rourke. Additionally, Link, from The Legend of Zelda, served as a model for Adair, the game's medic. However, despite these influences, Videla emphasized the uniqueness of each character.

I believe that their personalities have undergone significant growth over time. In the game's ultimate version, they have become distinct individuals with their own unique traits. Our intention with Rourke was to portray him as someone who has been somewhat secluded from the world. This choice allowed us to use him as a tool for presenting diverse cultures and locations in a fresh perspective. Additionally, it provided him an opportunity to learn and gain insight into what it means to exist beyond one's predetermined role.

The Characters of Long Gone Days

Valderrama explained that Long Gone Days, although classified as a "war" game, places special emphasis on exploring human relationships. In the initial scenes of the game, players are immediately introduced to Rourke, who, in first-person dialogue, reveals that he has always been a soldier by nature. Not long after, it becomes apparent that Rourke is grappling with his identity and values. The game then transitions into pixel art, where Rourke finds himself alone in a moonlit room with windows, where he encounters the first character, Lynn. Lynn is perceived to be American and is a person who has relentlessly sought freedom throughout her life, according to Videla.

Upon returning to The Core, Rourke encounters Adair, who, as Gormaz describes, starts off as a strict disciplinarian but eventually becomes one of Rourke's closest friends. Other characters players encounter include Atiye, a journalist of Turkish descent who investigates the Polish army's attacks on Kaliningrad; Ivan, a resident of Kaliningrad and teacher at a local orphanage; and Cygnus, a hacker affiliated with an organization that supports The Core. Videla disclosed to Our website that despite their diverse backgrounds, both professionally and ethnically, all these characters work together towards a common objective.

The Lingering Effects of Chilean Military Dictatorship

We felt the need to delve into this issue because at times when individuals assert that you do not belong to any particular country, it can lead to a sense of identity crisis where you feel like you have no place to call home. Each person has their own unique reasons, but they all share a common goal of defeating the main adversary in the game.

In addition to Gormaz's collection of inspirations, Long Gone Days draws from real-life events during the rule of Chilean general and dictator Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. Videla's parents actively aided individuals in staying safe during the dictatorship, often resorting to using false identities. This theme is reflected in the game, as the hacker, Cygnus, operates under a pseudonym. Furthermore, in the first mission, Rourke is instructed by the Sergeant Major to avoid any interaction with the locals, including refraining from disclosing their own identities engraved on their dog tags.

In order to ensure their safety, my parents' story entails various precautions. For instance, when meeting someone, it is advised to use an alias to avoid being recognized in case the other person is apprehended. They have recounted instances of protests and conflicts where some individuals advocated for a more aggressive approach, while they believed in a more politicized and educative method of resolution. These stories serve as a significant source of inspiration for our game, as we strive to create a sense of authenticity in the actions taken by the characters.

Communication plays a crucial role in our game, "Long Gone Days." Players will come across Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) who speak different languages, posing a potential barrier to understanding. Similarly, the game's characters face the same language challenges. To overcome this obstacle or even exploit it, players must recruit interpreters. These NPCs will guide players through essential tasks such as purchasing items and completing quests, which might involve some investigative work. Gathering information is pivotal in the game and draws parallels to real-life events, such as the CIA's investigation into the possibility of Pinochet leading a coup d'etat against Salvador Allende, who served as Chile's president from 1970 to 1973. Interestingly, this investigation was initiated based on intelligence gathered during a dinner party.

Drawing inspiration from world history, we acknowledge the profound impact that past events continue to have on various parts of the globe. Our approach in Long Gone Days avoids fixating on specific historical aspects or conflicts, instead taking into consideration how global situations shape people's perceptions of such conflicts.

Long Gone Days distinguishes itself as a military game that deviates from the norm. It offers a unique perspective that compels players to consider the repercussions and enduring consequences from the other side's point of view. This parallels the concept of This War of Mine, a survival game centered around a group of civilian survivors. Similar to Rourke's personal journey of self-identity and growth, players may find themselves embarking on a similar transformative path.

Long Gone Days is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.