'Big Brother' Game Demo Resurfaces After 27 Years

In 2025, the gaming community is still uncovering unexpected forgotten projects, and a recent discovery brought to light a rare gem connected to the dystopian universe of George Orwell's 1984. An alpha demo of Big Brother—a game based on the classic novel thought to be permanently lost—appeared online. Serving as a chronological follow-up to Orwell’s vision, this project hints at what might have been a compelling interactive exploration of his themes.

Big Brother was first revealed at E3 1998, intriguing audiences with its ambitious vision. Sadly, the game was canceled in 1999, leaving enthusiasts and historians curious about its unrealized potential. After 27 years, the alpha version resurfaced online in March 2025, shared by a user called ShedTroll. Its reappearance sparked renewed interest and illuminated the developer’s original creative approach.

The game’s story followed Eric Blair—a reference to Orwell's real name—on a mission to save his fiancée from the Thought Police. Gameplay fused puzzle elements akin to Riven with fast-paced action inspired by Quake. This hybrid design sought to immerse players in a grim surveillance society while challenging their problem-solving skills and reflexes.

Although Big Brother never reached a full release, its recovery provides valuable perspective on late-1990s game development and how creators experimented with translating literary masterpieces into interactive stories. For fans of dystopian fiction and retro gaming, this find is a true hidden treasure.