contact.zip
A downloadable mini-arg
This computer has been designated for recycling, but you take a peek at the files before you toss it in the scrap pile. There's just one file on the drive, an archive labeled "contact.zip". It looks like nonsense, but you have a gut feeling that there's a mystery here just waiting to be solved.
contact.zip was made for the 2021 AdvXJam (theme: "contact"). Originally, the game was meant to be far bigger and more complex, but because the jam came at an exceptionally busy time for me this year, I was only able to devote a few days to putting it together and it had to be simplified. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Some of the files you will encounter are password-protected. The passwords can be found by solving the puzzles hidden in the files. If you use other methods to bypass this security, you will miss part of the game.
- Make sure not to move the files/folder after you unzip the archive. Doing so will alter some of the file data and make the game far more difficult to complete.
- This is a difficult game, so I have included a hint file. Do not be afraid to use it if you get really stuck. There are general hints at the top of the file, and specific hints for finding the passwords if you scroll down a ways.
If you enjoy logic puzzles and narrative games, please check out my other games here on itch.io as well as my Minecraft escape room maps (the second one is in production now). If you'd like to support me so I can devote more time to making weird little puzzly things, check out my Patreon, or just share my work with your friends and followers. A little word of mouth goes a long way. Check out my Linktree for more stuff from me.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This game contains references to sensitive topics relating to current events. Please consult the CA.txt file for a full list.
ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Due to the extremely short time I had to make this game I was unable to make it as accessible as I try to make all my games. In order to complete the game it will be necessary to see images and read a lot of text. The text should all be compatible with screen readers but unfortunately the images are not. Although there is audio in the game, it is not necessary to complete the game. If this game is not accessible to you, please reach out and I will find a way to fix that!
DISCLAIMER: This game is a work of fiction set in the future. Although some portions were inspired by real current events, there are no specific references intended to real life particular individuals or events.
Download
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Development log
- Title ChangeNov 28, 2021
Comments
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Hiya! I have been having great fun with deciphering this game! The narrative is also really captivating. I'm having a little trouble with the end I think? I am not getting a notification that the sorry.zip is password protected so I have nowhere to fill in the password? Should I redownload the game again or is there another way to fix it?
Thank you so much already!
Hi there! I'm so glad you're enjoying the game. I haven't heard of anyone not getting a password prompt before. What happens when you try to open the .zip file? What program are you using to open it? And what operating system are you on? I think Windows 11 may have changed the way these files are handled (the game was made on Windows 10). It's possible that the archive will open and show the files inside if you use a program like Winrar, but if you try to open any of those files, it will prompt you for the password. Hope this helps - good luck!
Thanks for the quick reply! I'm using windows 10, and just the general File Explorer. If I try opening the zip it shows me the files inside and if I click on one of the files I get a message that tells me the files are unable to be openend due to a writing error, I forgot the exact wording but I can look it up of necessary! I'll try to redownload the game this afternoon to see if that changes anything as well!
Hm... If re-downloading doesn't work, it might be worth using another program such as Winrar to open the file (you can get it for free). I'm not sure how windows file explorer handles password-protected zip files. Hope you get it working soon and that you enjoy the finale!
Hey Ari, thank you for Contact.zip and for joining (and helping) us when we played it on stream! đ„° I wrote short descriptions of all the submissions for our blog, let me just add this here:
This game definitely stands out among all the submissions, as it is the only game that is played in your file management system and does not include an actual app! On a soon-to-be recycled computer, you find a few remaining files labeled âcontact.zipâ, and they hide a mystery…
Thank you, SecretFoxFire, for showing that you donât have to be a programmer to make a great game! Everyone can do so, with a great idea and the creativity and ambition to implement it. This also serves to diversify the selection of games! Sadly, we didnât have nearly enough time to finish this, but itâs a great contender for its own stream!
Thanks so much for playing it! Watching your eyes light up as you made the first few discoveries was the most satisfying thing ever. đ Please do let me know if you are going to stream it again so I can try to be there!
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