Video killed the game star.
But what if the concept album was actually a video game?
And the music is set to be released officially, delivered by its anime band members Gorillaz-style.
Each episode lasts about an hour and culminates with an interactive music video.
It adds little to the experience and feels gimmicky as a result.
Story-wise, We Are OFK is all teen angst, emo vibes and heavy sighs.
They’re balancing day jobs (in gaming no less!)
with their passion for music, their relationships, and the expectations of parents.
The sadboy overthinking is relatable.
Much of the story plays out in that great form of introverted gen z communication: texting.
There are even characters called Biggs and Wedge.
you might’t make choices or interfere with the careers of these young people.
Instead it’s mostly passive watching as they make mistakes but somehow still release some catchy tunes.
It brings into question: what exactly does the game add to the music?
It certainly provides an enjoyable story that adds depth to otherwise frothy pop songs.
The music acts as a focal point that reflects the mood of that episode.
But as a game its appeal is limited.
I think we’re still a ways off a virtual pop band truly breaking into the mainstream through gaming.
The biggest success of the game, though, is its sense of authenticity.
The LGBT+ representation is excellent, with diverse characters normalising queer relationships.
The developer’s devotion to authentic twentysomething reference points is commendable.
