1 player
Available on Mobile, Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 and PC.
A new category of video games appeared some time ago: “wholesome games”. This genre is defined by positive messages, kind-hearted themes with little frustration and very accessible gameplay. While this innovation should also make us question our current aspirations, I invite you to discover the captivating example of a game in which you have to find a seat for everyone.
A world in which there is room for everyone. Inspiring
How is your morale these days? Did you know it has been ONLY 6 months since Trump returned to power? No need to look very far to find things that might lead us to consider that the mood has been a bit heavy for a few years. While video games have long been seen as a way to “lighten” how daily life feels, the idea took root that this temporary bubble could be used to create a space of inclusivity and pleasant feelings. No death, no violence, no competition, no photorealism in the graphics, simply a light, yet engrossing premise in which you can’t really lose. I consider this perspective welcome, but I will keep repeating that it cannot be an answer to the problems it raises, and that this observation should lead us to think harder about the reasons that drive us to seek such forms of escape.
A quest that we all pursue, with more or less difficulty
While we wait to reform society from top to bottom (we’ll do that next week), playing Is this seat taken is enjoyable and its concept is fun. It is very easy to play, since all you have to do is slide little characters with your finger or a mouse to an available seat, in a taxi, a restaurant, a train, and so on. Easy! Not so fast. Each of these individuals has demands or conditions. So-and-so wants a window seat, someone else doesn’t want to sit next to someone listening to music, and so on.
5 cities, made up of 5 levels, each containing 5 stops.
It is therefore a logic puzzle game, since you have to consider everyone’s requests and try to meet them as best you can. Several solutions are possible, it is always possible to move on to the next level without a perfect score and perhaps come back to it later. To tick the boxes of a “wholesome game”, there must be a satisfying side. This is heightened by the staging, the animations and the sounds.
The pink thumb at the bottom right indicates that someone is not yet satisfied
A thin storyline supports the progression, with the theme of finding your place when you are a diamond in a world of circles and squares, especially when there is no example of a shape to identify with. It is light-hearted and a very good way of opening the discussion on inclusivity.
The characters’ demands gradually become more complex
Even though playing on my mobile phone was less convenient than on the computer, because the finger hides the spot where you can drop the characters, Is this seat taken is very engrossing and is an excellent choice of mobile game, of the kind children love, with no in-app purchases or abusive retention mechanics. To pass a train journey comfortably seated, for example.
To discover various videos about the game
A free demo is playable from the Steam platform if you want to try the game.
