gaming

Sam Barlow spotlights Michael Brough's 868-BACK and his design priorities

Interactive-fiction director Sam Barlow opened his Steam library and is currently playing Michael Brough's 868-BACK. Barlow identifies as a roguelike fan who prizes minimalism and refined single-mechanic design, calling 868-BACK a large, punishing example of that approach. He leads Half Mermaid, created Her Story, and is working on two new projects with Brandon Cronenberg and Blumhouse Productions—making his tastes notable for the future of narrative games.

• Barlow is director of Half Mermaid and creator of Her Story, Telling Lies, and Immortality.
• He is currently working on two separate projects: one with filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg and one with Blumhouse Productions.
• Barlow is playing Michael Brough’s 868-BACK and praises its vast, unforgiving roguelike design that refines gameplay to a single, high-stakes mechanic.
• Michael Brough’s games are the only titles Barlow still plays on his phone, reflecting his preference for minimalist, elegant systems.