Press release:
May 3rd 2023.
The cyberspace-based indie games developer NoSleepGames are today very proud and excited to announce that their puzzle-based visual novel “Annie and the AI“, is coming to PC via Steam on May 23rd, 2023.
Starring Katy Bentz, known for her role in the Life is Strange series, the game offers an emotional and existential tale about the connection between artificial intelligence and its creator.
In the game, players will step into the shoes of a newly-awakened AI – named Esme – and solve puzzles in order to help it learn, grow, and question the world it has awoken to. However, the world is not Esme’s only area of interest.
The AI’s attention soon turns to Annie, its creator, and her true motivations behind bringing Esme to life. Throughout the game’s story, players will interact with both Annie and Esme, via deep conversations and puzzles that must be solved within Esme’s mind.
Players will uncover the unique bond between Annie and Esme as they work together to unravel the mysteries of their shared existence. Offering an emotional and riveting performance, Bentz brings emotional depth to the character of Annie as she navigates her own struggles with self-confidence and family while helping Esme grow and develop.
Annie and the AI probes into whether artificial intelligence can truly comprehend what it means to be human or possess a soul through a poignant storyline that delves into profound questions about family, love, and humanity.
NoSleepGames Founder Jonny Fewkes said:
“It’s so exciting to be approaching our release date at last. The team has worked so hard to create this beautiful story which is so full of meaningful themes. Now comes the fun part where we get to share it with all of you. I hope you will fall in love with Annie and Esme just as we have.”
Annie and the AI is set for release 23rd May 2023 for $8.99 and can already be wishlisted on Steam here.
About Annie and the AI
Set in the late 2020’s, players will follow Annie, a shut-in programmer who spends most of her time working on her personal projects, taking care of her father, and bending to the whims of her authoritative sisters.
Taking the role of Esme, an AI that Annie has been developing in her spare time, players will help Esme to learn by solving visual puzzles involving pattern and emotional matching of photos sourced from Annie’s life.
A full storytelling experience containing over 150 hand drawn illustrations, an original soundtrack, and talented voice-acting led by Katy Bentz of the BAFTA winning series Life is Strange.
About No Sleep Games
NoSleepGames was founded to tell powerful and entertaining stories, stories which linger in the minds of players after the final credits roll and they lie down in their beds to sleep.
The studio focuses on clever game design and gameplay mechanics which are innovative, addictive, and ultimately add to the narrative.
At NoSleepGames, narrative is never compromised.
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Jonas “O.J” Ek
The Gaming Ground
Twitter: @TheGamingGround
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Tags: Adventure, Annie and the AI, Cyberpunk, Indie games, No Sleep Games, PC games, Puzzle, Steam, Visual novel