The Suicide of Rachel Foster

Lore & Background

The Suicide of Rachel Foster was developed by the Italian studio One-O-One Games using Unreal Engine 4, directed by Daniele Azara with music by Federico Landini. The game was designed as a walking simulator to explore real-life topics, with the narrative and gameplay developed simultaneously to complement each other. The developers aimed to create fear from suspense rather than traditional monsters, setting the game in a hotel to evoke fear and claustrophobia, inspired by the Overlook Hotel from the film The Shining (1980). One-O-One Games sought professional advice to portray delicate topics such as child sexual abuse and suicide compassionately.

Reader's Guide

The Suicide of Rachel Foster received mixed reviews from critics. Praise was aimed at the setting and sound design, as well as at Nicole and Irving, their relationship, and the actors' performances. The plot and mystery, as well as some gameplay aspects, received a mixed reception. Critics responded negatively to the depiction of child sexual abuse and suicide, arguing the game does not handle these topics sensitively; the ending was criticized for forcing players to participate in an interactive suicide attempt. A sequel, Curse of the Crimson Stag (originally titled The Fading of Nicole Wilson), was announced in October 2024 and is set to release in 2026.

Did You Know?

• The game's Timberline Hotel was inspired by the Overlook Hotel from the horror film The Shining (1980).
• The player can choose to let Nicole die from carbon monoxide poisoning or turn off the engine to save her.
• The game was released for Windows in February 2020, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September 2020, and for Nintendo Switch in October 2021.
• A sequel, Curse of the Crimson Stag, was announced in October 2024.