E-Line Media has announced that their BAFTA-award winning indie title Never Alone is featured in the upcoming permanent Field Museum’s Native Truths exhibition. The new Field Museum’s Native Truths Exhibition is a part of the newly renovated Native North American Hall. Never Alone was previously displayed at the Smithsonian as part of their FUTURES Exhibition.
The groundbreaking Native North American Hall renovation was announced back in 202 and the Native Truths exhibit is the debut exhibit of this renovation. The exhibit was created with the guidance of 11 Native American scholars and museum professionals and in partnership with 125 collaborators representing over 100 tribes. Never Alone combines traditional stories, settings, and characters that have been handed down over generations by the Iñupiaq people whose roots and heritage date back millennia.
Never Alone’s development team was comprised of Iñupiaq elders, artists, storytellers, and other community members as well as game veterans who served in key roles on such popular console and PC titles over the years. Amy Fredeen, EVP of Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) and CFO of E-Line Media commented:
The story of Never Alone continues to grow with its launch on Nintendo Switch and through other promising partnerships. CITC is excited to continue its partnership with E-Line Media and bring new voice to Our People’s stories through pathways that have true impact.
The latest exhibit for Never Alone is another accolade for the indie title which received the recent awards Peabody Award for Digital and Interactive Storytelling. This is a historic achievement, and the E-Line Media team hopes that their release Never Alone is a beacon to other indie and mainstream game development studios and publishers that games can have a far-reaching social impact. Never Alone was recently released on Nintendo Switch as well.
Alan Gershenfeld, President and Co-Founder of E-Line Media, commented when the Smithsonian partnership was revealed:
It has been an amazing experience working with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council on Never Alone and we are thrilled to be part of the Futures exhibit. A key goal of the inclusive development process has been to share stories and practices which have been passed down for thousands of years through powerful new technologies that engage and inspire gamers around the world. Being part of the Futures exhibit and festival has been a great opportunity to continue this celebration of the past and evocative exploration of the future.
Known as ‘Kisima Ingitchuna’ in the Iñupiaq language, Never Alone was originally released back in 2014 and since then, it has gained a lot of praise from both fans and critics alike. Never Alone features imagery and themes drawn directly from the Iñupiaq and other native Alaskan cultures. It has striking visuals that emphasize the sensibilities and perspective of these indigenous Arctic people. A sequel to the title Never Alone 2 has been announced and it is currently under development. It will maintain the inclusive game development of the first title. For additional insight into the title, you can check out the Never Alone: Cultural Insights on Youtube.
What are your thoughts on Never Alone being included in the Field Museum’s Native Truths Exhibition? Let us know in the comments section below.
