Spencer Yan’s My Work Is Not Yet Done is a game that defies traditional genre categorization, combining elements of survival, simulation, and horror. Its narrative-driven gameplay delves into themes of identity and the unraveling of meaning in an eerie wilderness setting. While this game has received praise for its immersive atmosphere and intriguing plot, there is one aspect that often goes unrecognized – its complex recreation of bodily functions, specifically excretion. This article aims to explore and appreciate this overlooked element of My Work Is Not Yet Done.
In My Work Is Not Yet Done, the game meticulously tracks calorie consumption, content in the digestive system, and bodily processes related to urination and defecation. Although most players may never directly encounter these details, they serve a purpose beyond mere realism. Yan states that this level of simulation adds an element of uncertainty and abstraction, reflective of the game’s overarching theme of attempting to communicate and make sense of enigmatic systems.
Yan emphasizes that the inclusion of bodily functions in the game is not gratuitous but rather has thematic significance. The game explores the futile nature of communication and the struggle to derive meaning from seemingly impenetrable systems. By simulating bodily processes, Yan aims to create a sense of interpretive richness through careful discernment and critical subtraction of excess information. The game’s survival elements, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, and discomfort, serve as the framework for this process.
In My Work Is Not Yet Done, the player’s interpretation of Avery, the main character, and the world she navigates mirrors the laborious process of discerning meaning. Just as Avery’s bodily functions shape her experiences, the player must carefully evaluate and subtract information to arrive at their own understanding. The game encourages players to accept the incompleteness of knowledge and interpretation, mirroring the challenges we face in our own lives when confronted with overwhelming amounts of information.
Yan’s essay on the game’s Github page delves further into the relationship between the physical body and the complexities of existence. It highlights how our bodily mechanisms, such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and waste elimination, are not mere inconveniences but rather the very foundation of our existence. The game serves as a reminder that our physical limitations and bodily functions shape and define our experiences.
In a landscape of games that often overlook bodily functions, My Work Is Not Yet Done stands apart. While titles like The Sims and Slime Rancher have incorporated excretion mechanics, they remain outliers in an industry focused on other aspects of gameplay. The inclusion of bodily functions in My Work Is Not Yet Done adds a layer of realism and immersion rarely explored, highlighting the game’s attention to detail and its commitment to pushing boundaries.
Spencer Yan’s My Work Is Not Yet Done offers players a unique and thought-provoking gameplay experience. While its narrative-driven horror and survival elements have garnered attention, the game’s intricate simulation of bodily functions deserves recognition. By including these details, Yan adds a deeper layer of thematic meaning, emphasizing the challenges of communication and interpretation. My Work Is Not Yet Done serves as a reminder of the inseparable connection between our physical bodies and the complexities of existence. As players navigate Avery’s world, they are confronted with the same laborious journey of discernment and understanding that we face in our own lives.
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