The city of Mariupol in Ukraine has faced immense devastation and erasure due to the heavy bombardment it endured during Russia’s invasion in 2022. The majority of residential buildings were damaged or destroyed, leading to the displacement and loss of thousands of people. The city has been under Russian occupation for almost two years, during which much of its Ukrainian heritage has been demolished, rebuilt, and renamed. However, amidst this destruction, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of the RPG game Hollow Home.
Hollow Home is not a mere recreation of Mariupol before the war, but rather a collection of details, colors, personalities, and familiar buildings that pay tribute to the city as it once was. Developed in 2022, just after Mariupol’s occupation, the game is inspired by journalistic coverage of the invasion but presents a fictional story with fictional characters. Players take on the role of 14-year-old Maksym, who must navigate the challenges of survival and helping others in the midst of war.
Unlike traditional RPGs, Hollow Home does not focus on combat or graphic violence. Instead, it delves into the repercussions of war on civilians and the gradual deterioration of neighborhoods as residents either perish or flee the city. The game unfolds over 30 in-game days, offering a poignant narrative that reflects the resilience and struggles of individuals amidst chaos and destruction.
In Hollow Home, players must manage Maksym’s daily actions using limited action points. These actions include essential skills such as cooking and first aid, which are influenced by character traits like Sociability and Handiness. The pre-war section of the game provides a nostalgic glimpse into Maksym’s teenage life, filled with innocent activities like fixing a satellite dish, playing at the arcade, and interacting with a diverse cast of characters in the community.
As players progress through the game, they will witness the evolution of Mariupol, with some areas being destroyed while new locations like shelters and volunteer centers emerge. The fate of characters is uncertain, with some meeting tragic ends while new individuals enter the narrative. Hollow Home promises multiple endings, offering players a dynamic and engaging experience that reflects the complex realities of life during wartime.
While Hollow Home serves as a poignant memorial to the city of Mariupol, it also raises questions about the intersection of art and commerce. As the game is slated for release on Steam in 2025, the developers must navigate the challenge of presenting a heartfelt tribute amidst a market saturated with escapist fantasies and apocalyptic settings. The balance between honoring the memory of Mariupol and commercial viability is a delicate tightrope that the creators of Hollow Home must walk.
Hollow Home stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. By capturing the essence of Mariupol before the war and offering players a glimpse into a fictionalized world shaped by conflict, the game provides a unique and thought-provoking experience. As players embark on Maksym’s journey, they are not merely playing a game but immersing themselves in a narrative that honors the past, mourns the present, and contemplates the future.