Unpacking (2021) is a puzzle video game developed by Witch Beam, an indie game development studio, and is available across multiple platforms. It centers around an unseen female protagonist who unpacks her belongings from 1997 to 2018. Through eight different moves, players unpack her belongings to arrange them in each new home, blending block-fitting puzzles with home decoration. The gameplay creates an intimate, wordless narrative — players piece together her story by observing her possessions, living spaces, and how they change over time.
Since its release, the game has received positive reviews and won several awards, including two BAFTA Games Awards, a D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game, and 2021’s Game of the Year by Eurogamer.
Each level represents a different stage of the protagonist’s life — from her childhood bedroom to her first shared apartment and, eventually, her home. Her belongings reveal her personality: an artistic streak, a love for the color purple, and subtle hints about her relationships.
The narrative unfolds organically. Early on, she moves in with roommates, then a boyfriend, only to later return to her childhood home after a breakup. Eventually, she moves into a place alone, where her queerness is quietly implied through items like rainbow-colored underwear.
In the seventh level, players unpack another woman’s belongings into the protagonist’s home, confirming her bisexuality. There’s no dramatic coming-out moment; her identity is simply part of her life, making the representation feel natural and affirming.
Unpacking delivers a uniquely relaxing and emotionally resonant experience. Creator Wren Brier attributed the popularity of Unpacking to its therapeutic nature and stated that she took inspiration from her experience moving in with her partner and co-developer Tim Dawson.
The game crafts a touching story without a single line of dialogue by focusing on the small details of everyday life. Even more remarkable is its normalization of queer relationships — without relying on stereotypes or conflict — making it a standout title in LGBT representation.