Big News… In Gaming? The Darkest Files Bring Gaming’s Political Awakening at Gamescom
Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live event saw the preview for The Darkest Files. In the game, players are tasked with the investigation of Nazi war criminals long after the conclusion of the Second World War, seeking justice for their countless victims. However, one of the most talked-about moments of the night was the speech made by the game’s director, Jörg Friedrich. So, why did Friedrich choose this particular global platform to deliver such a sobering message?
Jörg Friedrich’s Gamescom Speech Turns The Darkest Files Into a Call for Justice
A Eulogy for the Evening’s Hype
The director’s segment was a striking departure from the evening’s typical celebratory industry hype at the Gamecom live event. Once he took the stage, he proceeded to articulate a powerful argument for the significance of games like The Darkest Files, framing them as crucial cultural artifacts for the current era. That said, what exactly was Friedrich trying to get across with his message? He wanted society to understand that it cannot simply stand by and watch injustice unfold but must take decisive action against it.
Additionally, he noted that video games are a form of art that is more than mere entertainment, which The Darkness Files aimed to exemplify. Overall, they reflect collective societal concerns, deepest fears, and most profound hopes like other great artistic media. Following Friedrich’s passionate speech, the gaming community is left knowing one thing for certain: that no greater preoccupation exists today than the fragility of our democratic systems. Furthermore, the director asserted that democracy is currently under attack across the globe, with the rights of minorities being systematically violated.
Indeed, modern-day video games have evolved into a powerful and immersive medium that can tackle complex and difficult issues. Moreover, they can possess a unique potential to inspire tangible change in players. While expressing his gratitude, Friedrich praised developers within the video game industry for dedicating their efforts to such responsible projects. More than that, he noted the growing involvement of major institutions like the European Commission and the United Nations, as they too are beginning to recognize the medium’s power for education and advocacy
The Darkest Files Redefines “Gamescom Cares”
Friedrich’s appearance and the spotlight on The Darkest Files were integral components of the event’s Gamescom Cares initiative. With this program, games designed to engage with serious social and political themes, known as “responsibility projects,” are provided a prominent platform to be showcased. For example, developer Flat 28’s new game, Glasshouse, is another highlighted title that gets a chance to be seen.
This “feudalpunk” CRPG follows a group of people trapped in a single house during a terrifying world war. Likewise, the point-and-click simulation, Compensation Not Guaranteed, is receiving buzz for merging the bureaucratic mechanics of Papers, Please, with the setting of Animal Crossing. In the game, players have the job of reviewing land documents in a post-colonial nation where the government is seizing property for urban development.
When a Game Demo Becomes a Manifesto
Although the specific forces Friedrich believes are attacking democracy weren’t stated, his comments surrounding The Darkest Files‘ political message were delivered against a stark global backdrop. For example, the right-wing authoritarian shifts in several national governments and former President Trump’s controversial deployment of military forces within the United States capital add more credibility to the director’s words.
Not to mention that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is still occurring, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is increasingly becoming dire. To make matters worse, the various reports revealing that the Israeli military was shooting civilians and blocking aid further contributed to this tense international climate. So, did this brief segment at the Gameccom live event represent a new precedent for political advocacy?
Notably, host Geoff Keighley has never showcased overtly political segments during one of his major events, that is, until The Darkest Files‘ presentation. Even when carefully avoiding any direct and specific calls to action, Keighley still avoids this type of content from being shown during his shows. Unfortunately, neither Glasshouse nor Compensation Not Guaranteed has been released to the public yet. However, gamers can try their hands at The Darkest Files, which launched earlier this year on Steam, where it has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and players.
