The city of Mariupol in Ukraine has been deeply scarred by Russia’s invasion in 2022. The devastating artillery and air strikes have left most residential buildings in ruins and claimed the lives of thousands of people. The city has now been under Russian occupation for nearly two years, during which its Ukrainian heritage has been systematically erased and replaced. However, amidst this tragedy, a unique form of remembrance has emerged in the form of the RPG game Hollow Home.
Hollow Home is not a direct recreation of Mariupol before the war, but rather a poignant collection of memories and details inspired by the city. Developed in 2022, shortly after Mariupol’s occupation, the game offers a glimpse into the vibrant life of the city before the devastation. Through the eyes of the protagonist, 14-year-old Maksym, players navigate the challenges of survival and community support in the face of war. Unlike traditional RPGs, Hollow Home focuses on the emotional impact of conflict on civilians rather than graphic violence.
Players take on the role of Maksym, who must navigate the war-torn city using limited action points each day to perform tasks such as cooking and first aid. The game unfolds over 30 in-game days, capturing the gradual decay of the city as residents are killed or forced to flee. The interactions with various characters in the game highlight the resilience and solidarity of the community in the face of adversity. The game aims to provide around 24 hours of gameplay spread across three districts of the city, offering a comprehensive exploration of Mariupol’s urban landscape.
The visual style of Hollow Home draws inspiration from graphic novels, with vibrant colors and a pen-and-paper aesthetic reminiscent of ZA/UM’s game, Disco Elysium. However, the English writing in Hollow Home takes a more reverential and somber tone, reflecting the ongoing tragedy in Mariupol. The game developers have strived to offer a nuanced perspective on the conflict, focusing on the human stories and the city’s transformation over time.
While Hollow Home serves as a powerful memorial to Mariupol and its residents, questions arise about its commercialization as a product for Steam. As a work of art that seeks to honor the memories of a real-life tragedy, the game must navigate the delicate balance between remembrance and entertainment. It raises important considerations about the portrayal of war in video games and the responsibility of developers to engage with sensitive subject matter.
Hollow Home offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the impact of war on individuals and communities. By capturing the spirit of Mariupol before the invasion, the game acts as a testament to the resilience and humanity of those affected by conflict. As we await its release in 2025, Hollow Home stands as a reminder of the power of art to preserve memories and provoke reflection on the enduring consequences of war.
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