The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Lore & Background

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow was developed by Shaun Aitcheson, John Inch, and Laurie MH of Cloak and Dagger Games, and published by Wadjet Eye Games. For much of its development, the game was known as INCANTAMENTUM. Writer Shaun Aitcheson cited Hob Hurst's House, a Bronze Age barrow on Beeley Moor near Bakewell in Derbyshire, as an inspiration. The game was released for Linux, Mac, and Windows on September 28, 2022, and for Switch on January 25, 2023. On May 20, 2025, Lost in Cult announced a physical Nintendo Switch edition.

The game is presented in third-person perspective with pixel art, featuring a context-sensitive cursor for examining objects, picking up items, and conversing with non-playable characters. Gameplay emphasizes exploration, dialogue, and inventory-based puzzles grounded in everyday logic. Dialogue includes branching choices that influence villager responses but do not alter the overall story outcome. The narrative is advanced through conversations, dream sequences, and interactive flashbacks to Bateman's childhood, and is narrated by Bateman several years after the events. A journal system records observations and goals, and the game features a fully voiced cast with Samantha Béart as Bateman. The pacing is deliberately slow to reinforce the folk horror atmosphere.

Reader's Guide

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow received 'generally favorable reviews' on Metacritic and 'mighty' approval on OpenCritic, with 100% of critics recommending it. PC Gamer described it as 'a splendid adventure that's well paced, excellently voiced, and doesn't outstay its welcome.' Rock Paper Shotgun praised its 'beautifully dank, damp, gloomy folk horror' atmosphere. Eurogamer noted the game stuck in the reviewer's mind after completion, prompting deeper thought about its plot and themes. NPR strongly recommended it to fans of mysteries or story-focused games. Adventure Gamers called it 'an outstanding horror game,' praising the story, art, voice acting, and puzzles. Screen Rant highlighted its 'slow-burn dread' and connections to classic British folk horror cinema, comparing it to The Wicker Man (1973). Entertainium argued it is 'a spiritual heir to British folk horror's golden age.' The game was nominated for PC Gamer's game of the year for 2022. At Adventure Gamers, it won best drama writing, best story, and best traditional adventure, and was nominated for best adventure game and best voice acting. Samantha Béart was longlisted for a BAFTA Games Award in 'Performer in a Leading Role' and subsequently received a BAFTA Breakthrough award for their performance as Bateman.

Did You Know?

• The game was originally developed under the working title INCANTAMENTUM.
• The fictional village of Bewlay and its barrow were inspired by the real Bronze Age site Hob Hurst's House on Beeley Moor in Derbyshire.
• Samantha Béart, who voiced protagonist Thomasina Bateman, received a BAFTA Breakthrough award for their performance.