A few years ago, a sound bite from TikTok went viral: “Darling, I’ve told you several times before, I have no dream job. I do not dream of labor.” This statement, as highlighted by writer Caitlyn Clark in Jacobin, resonated with many due to the pressures of a tightening labor market that has increased the strain on workers. Despite this strain enriching the wealth of the few, it has not fostered better workplaces or an improved world for the majority. This phrase has continued to linger in my mind, especially as I play Wanderstop, developed by Ivy Road.
In Wanderstop, the protagonist, Alta, grapples with her own drive for success, which leads to her downfall. Unlike typical corporate pressures, Alta's struggle is rooted in her personal ambition, heavily influenced by societal expectations. After facing her first major failure, which she vowed would never happen, Alta's journey takes an unexpected turn. Instead of returning to her peak form, she finds herself in a tea shop after collapsing in the forest, rescued by the friendly shop owner, Boro.
Alta's situation is dire; she cannot wield her sword, yet leaving the tea shop proves impossible. Each attempt to escape ends with her collapsing once more. Here, the narrative begins to shift as she reluctantly stays, serving tea to the customers who soon begin to visit. Initially, Alta's desire for labor lies in her longing to train and fight, but as she immerses herself in her new role, she begins to let go of that need.
The tea shop in Wanderstop operates on a non-profit basis, with the surrounding land providing all necessary ingredients for making tea—except for the tea-making equipment itself. This aspect of the game introduces cozy gameplay elements reminiscent of farming simulators, emphasizing the importance of slow, thoughtful work. As Alta, players plant seeds in specific formations to cultivate various plants, harvesting both seeds and fruits essential for brewing tea. Exploring the forest, cleaning up debris, and tending to invasive vines become part of her healing journey.
As customers enter the tea shop, each interaction reveals their unique stories. Alta transforms from a character desperate for labor to one who finds solace in serving others. The act of gathering ingredients, nurturing plants, and crafting tea becomes her new form of labor, one that fosters connection and community, ultimately making a difference in her life and the lives of others.
Wanderstop not only tells a compelling narrative but also effectively engages with its themes through gameplay. Players are not rewarded with tools or upgrades for brewing tea; instead, the focus remains on personal interactions and storytelling. The tea brewing process is intricate, requiring several steps of manual labor without any time constraints. Customers linger as long as needed, allowing players to experiment with brewing or even explore decorative elements.
However, some game mechanics detract from the overall experience. The game frequently uses notification icons, signaling new customer interactions and tasks. For example, an eager knight character, cursed and seeking to progress, quickly returns for further interaction, interrupting the game's tranquil pace with urgency. This dissonance creates a friction that, while understandable from a gameplay perspective, could have been better aligned with the game’s philosophical underpinnings.
The central idea of "dreaming of labor" resonates deeply throughout Wanderstop. While the current system may not inspire dreams of labor, the game invites players to envision a future where work is meaningful and fulfilling. Wanderstop ultimately embodies the hope for a slower, happier life centered around community engagement and personal growth, even if that involves labor. The game is set to be released on March 11 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, and promises to be a thought-provoking experience for players.
The review of Wanderstop was conducted on Steam Deck using a pre-release download code provided by Annapurna Interactive. For transparency, Vox Media has affiliate partnerships that may earn commissions through product purchases made via affiliate links.
