Brandon Fletcher
What is the title of your game and what themes does it explore?
My game is titled VILE: Exhumed, and it delves into the unsettling journey of navigating an old computer, revealing themes surrounding entitlement and its disturbing implications.
What is the size of your development team?
The development team consists of just one person, standing at 167cm tall — that’s me!
How long have you been developing this game?
It’s challenging to quantify time when working part-time, but I’ve dedicated between six months and a year to this project!
What inspired the creation of <em>VILE: Exhumed</em>? Share your story.
I created VILE out of frustration. I craved control and agency over my own body, and while it may sound grotesque, photographing myself covered in blood became a powerful expression. I was confronting difficult emotions and trauma, but I was doing it on my own terms, which felt incredibly empowering. This process strengthened me.
My inspiration also stemmed from the darker experiences in my life and the individuals involved in those moments. I tapped into some of my most challenging periods and encapsulated those feelings within VILE.
How does VILE explore discomfort and disgust to critically examine misogyny?
Drawing on my personal experiences grounded the game in reality, which is why many players found it impactful and relatable. This is a sensation that unfortunately resonates with too many individuals, particularly women.
What does the physical edition of the game signify for you, and what aspect do you cherish the most?
Creating a physical edition for VILE: Exhumed felt like an opportunity to reclaim my narrative and release the game on my terms. This mirrors the emotions I experienced while developing the game initially.
I relished the chance to re-enter the world of Candy and Molly, allowing them to gain more depth through the packaging. Crafting a tribute to Molly that wasn’t solely focused on what happened to her turned out to be more emotional than I anticipated. Molly’s journey in the game is subtly rooted in reality, so allowing her to shine without the shadow of her trauma felt incredibly meaningful. It was a way for me to honor both her character and my own journey.
VILE became a symbol of financial censorship on Steam last summer — what do you believe was overlooked in the broader discussion?
This question is quite challenging, and I want to express my gratitude for the support I received after the game’s ban from Steam. I truly appreciate every moment people dedicated to discussing VILE and advocating for what transpired.
Before the ban, I was eager to hear feedback on my visual design decisions. I played every female character that appeared in VILE, and I personally created and photographed all the gore effects showcased in the game. I find that aspect really impressive!
I also missed out on celebrating several important milestones. This was my first published game and my debut on Steam (or what was supposed to be). I felt proud of the writing and narrative within the game.
Final Girl Games
Why do you choose video games as your medium of expression?
I appreciate the specificity that video games allow in conveying emotions. I can control the player’s exposure to various elements, crafting an experience that aligns closely with my vision.
I love the immersive quality of found footage films, as they place the viewer directly into a chaotic narrative. VILE: Exhumed elevates this concept by actively involving players in the experience.
Video game narratives have profoundly impacted me since childhood, making it a joy to create such experiences for others.
What significant challenges have you encountered as an independent developer?
Like many developers, time and financial resources are always limited. as an indie developer, the real hurdle is capturing other people’s time. With so many games launching constantly, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract players’ attention.
How can larger companies and publishers better support independent developers like you?
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge DreadXP, the publisher of VILE: Exhumed, for their commitment to games tackling challenging themes. They believe in the importance of sharing diverse horror narratives.
More individuals should work towards breaking down the genre confines.
Now, let’s summarize your game. How would you pitch it in one sentence?
Experience an interactive video nasty.
Final Girl Games
VILE: Exhumed is available for free download, with the option to contribute any amount you wish. The proceeds are equally distributed between Final Girl Games and Red Door Family Shelter, a Canadian non-profit organization offering emergency housing and support services. The physical edition, priced at $9.99, features an eight-page booklet, a classic jewel case, hand-written labels, and an archival quality CD-ROM containing the entire game — free from DRM, reminiscent of the old days. Half of all proceeds continue to support Red Door.
The physical edition of VILE is a limited release, with the first 100 copies being individually numbered. You can sign up on the game’s website to receive notifications for when it becomes available for purchase.
Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
