A downloadable game for Windows and Linux

NOTE: this game is still a work-in-progress, and any payments will be treated as donations toward the creation of the game, as opposed to paying for a copy once it's complete.  If you play the current version, please post in the forum with any feedback or bug reports, or fill out the survey here, to help shape and improve the game as it continues to evolve.  Also, please follow my Twitter account for updates.  Thank you!

View/Wishlist on Steam

Concept

Solve 3D puzzles by removing dimensions, flattening yourself into a 2D cross-section (or even 1D line!) of the world.  There is no trickery here: you will exist in a single slice of the still-3D world (unlike Fez or Neko Ghost, Jump!, which flatten the entire world with you).  This will allow you to slip through tiny gaps and interact with objects in ways you might not have thought possible.

At the same time, explore the philosophical writings of a woman determined to complete her work on the device that unexpectedly, and unbeknownst to her, created the world in which the game takes place.  Learn about her life and motivations through the rambling notes she has mixed into the source code for her project.

About the Game / Development State

I am developing The Boundary Condition as a solo effort.  For me, this game is part learning tool, part emotional outlet, and part passion project.  In an effort to learn as much as possible about what goes into making a video game, I decided to make the best game I could while doing every aspect: the design, the programming, the music, and more.  I have a full time job, so I am working on this in my free time.  The more interest there is the more time and effort I will put into making this a more complete game.  Regardless, I hope you enjoy playing this as much as I have enjoyed making it so far.

Awards

  • GDEX 2022, Winner: Best in Show: Most Innovative
  • Ohayocon IGS 2023, Winner: Judge's Choice (Digital)
  • GDEX 2023, Runner Up: Best ISE (Independent, Student, Experimental)
  • Cleveland Gaming Classic 2023, Winner: Most Innovative

Feedback

Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/fTfFoFoYJcDcJvUV

More information

Download

Download
tbc-windows-0.2.2.zip 150 MB
Download
tbc-linux-0.2.2.zip 152 MB

Install instructions

Installing and running through the itch.io app is recommended.

However, if you would prefer to download and run the game yourself, you may need to perform one of the following steps.

On Windows, when you run the .exe file you may get an error message saying it is an unrecognized app and was prevented from starting.  Click "more info" and then "Run anyway."

On Linux, you may need to manually set the execute bit of the .x86_64 file (the main executable).

On MacOS, you will get an error  saying that the app "is damaged and can’t be opened" when you try to run it.  To fix this, open a terminal and navigate (e.g. cd /path/to/zip/file) to the place where you unpacked the zip file.  Then run the following command: xattr -cr "The Boundary Condition.app" - after that you should be able to run the app.

Development log