Fractured Minds

Players take control of a nameless protagonist and progress through six bleak atmospheric chapters, each of which represent a different challenge associated with mental illness, such as isolation, paranoia, and anxiety. [4] Though the experiences portrayed in the game are loosely inspired by real life day-to-day occurrences, the viewpoint character's mental health issues render them disturbing and distorted beyond recognition.[4][5] The viewpoint character progresses through a personal and emotional journey until the resolution of the game.[2]

Emily Mitchell, a British programmer from Watford, United Kingdom developed the game on her own at the age of 17.[5] She states that the game was inspired by her own battles with anxiety and that her goal was to create a genuine experience that would help more people empathize with those struggling with mental health issues.[5][6] The game was later picked up for distribution by Wired Productions, a game publishing firm also based in Watford.

The game's soundtrack was provided by Russian composer Kai Engel.[4]

Critical Hit magazine hailed the game as a "concentrated, clever exploration of life with mental illness". [7] Though noting its 'just starting out with game dev' aesthetic, the review praised the game's unnerving atmosphere and deep meaning, comparing it to the psychological horror film The Babadook.[7]

The British Academy of Fine Arts (BAFTA) praised the game as well, honoring it with its 2017 award for game making.[5][4] BAFTA described it as an "immersive puzzle game" which gives players "genuine insight into the experiences of those [...] living with mental illness—the feelings of isolation, of being trapped, [and] of everyday situations being distorted beyond recognition.[1]