USC Game Innovation Lab at the USC School of Cinematic Arts has released Walden, a game on the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system. This award-winning, open-world, narrative exploration adventure, based on philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s classic book, Walden, is available today via the PlayStationStore for $18.99.

Winner of the “Game of the Year” and “Most Significant Impact” awards at the 2017 Games for Change Festival, Walden, a game follows the footsteps of Thoreau’s bold experiment living on the fruits of his labor in the tranquil woods of New England’s Walden Pond. Build a shelter, grow your own food, fish on the water’s edge, and discover the wildlife, terrain and townspeople surrounding your idyllic home in the forest as it changes with the seasons.

There is no right or wrong way to play – as an homage to one of literature’s most celebrated journeys of freedom and exploration, Walden, a game is designed to inspire players to reflect on fundamental ideas like personal happiness and the natural world. It features the voice talent of actor Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) as Thoreau, as well as English, French and Spanish language support.

Walden, a game is also available on Windows PC and Mac at www.WaldenGame.com and GameInnovationLab.itch.io/Walden. USC Game Innovation Lab recently released a companion curriculum guide for the game with lessons to further help educators teach students about Thoreau’s life and the legacy of environmentalism he helped inspire. The guide can be downloaded for free through https://www.waldengame.com/educators, where educators can also request a free copy of the game with a complimentary evaluation license on Windows PC and Mac.

Walden, a game is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. Walden, a game was developed by game designer Tracy Fullerton and her team, with funding provided by the NEH, NEA and Sundance Institute.