Essex: The Whale Hunter is a new game inspired by Moby Dick

Essex: The Whale Hunter

Ultimate Games has revealed Essex: The Whale Hunter, a new game that draws inspiration from Moby Dick, Herman Melville’s classic novel.

Essex: The Whale Hunter is described as a whaling simulator. According to the creators, the new game will offer a high-seas adventure “filled with emotion and realism.” The game takes place in the 19th century on the island of Nantucket in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Polish indie studio 3T Games is developing Essex. Meanwhile, Ultimate Games is publishing the game. It is another collaboration between the two companies. It follows the previously-announced Smuggler Simulator.

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According to Ultimate Games:

Essex: The Whale Hunter is a single-player focused whaling simulator that will allow you to embark on a great adventure in the open waters of the Atlantic. The player will step into the shoes of a whaling ship captain, and the gameplay will feature various elements related to whale hunting, including the majestic and awe-inspiring cachalots.

The new project is one of a few games that directly refer to classics of American literature. The creators explain that their goal is to combine the fascinating world of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick with “attractive and varied gameplay.”

Essex: The Whale Hunter is in early development. It is scheduled for release in 2023. The game is coming to PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

My Take

At the moment, I am not sure what to make of this project. Is it trying to be a thought-provoking game and a critique of whaling? Is it just trying to piss off animal lovers and cash in on controversy? We don’t know the answer yet. Hopefully, it’s the former and not the latter.

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