In 2025, the gaming world unearthed a fascinating relic: the alpha demo of Big Brother, a lost video game adaptation of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. This unexpected discovery, surfacing online after being presumed lost, offers a captivating glimpse into a potential exploration of Orwell's dystopian vision through interactive storytelling, a chronological continuation of his chilling narrative.
Initially unveiled at E3 1998, Big Brother intrigued with its ambitious concept. However, the project was canceled in 1999, leaving its potential unrealized—until March 2025. A user named ShedTroll unexpectedly shared the alpha build online, sparking renewed interest and revealing its innovative design.
The game features Eric Blair (Orwell's real name) as the protagonist, tasked with rescuing his fiancée from the Thought Police. Gameplay blended puzzle elements reminiscent of Riven with action mechanics inspired by Quake, creating a unique challenge that combined mental and physical dexterity within a chillingly realistic depiction of a surveillance state.
Though never fully released, Big Brother's rediscovery provides valuable insight into late 90s game development and the creative approaches used to adapt literary classics into interactive experiences. For fans of dystopian fiction and retro gaming, this is a truly remarkable find.
