David Lynch Teaches Typing
A satirical typing game with Lynchian horror.
David Lynch Teaches Typing is a 2018 game from the independent studio Rhino Stew Productions. It is a satire of typing tutor programs like Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and is described as a "short playable interactive comedy game" and an "interactive experience." In the game, a digital version of David Lynch guides the player through typing tasks that grow increasingly strange and disturbing.
The game begins with Lynch promising to lead the player "through the magical world of typing." After simple instructions to press the F and J keys, Lynch tells the player to press a finger on an "undulating bug" next to the keyboard. Failing to do so causes the game to crash. Later, following a prompt to press the A key, the game shows unsettling images and sounds, then ends. It is then revealed that the game is only a trial, and Lynch instructs the player to go to the nearest bathtub and "make smacking noises with your hands until someone can assist you" to get the full product.
The game was created by Luke Palmer, a filmmaker and founder of Rhino Stew, along with independent developer Hyacinth Nil. Palmer, who had worked as a typing tutor, said the "hellish" experience of "motivating kids to type" had a "macabre and mundane element perfect for David Lynch." He included elements from Lynch's films, such as the undulating bug as an homage to *Eraserhead*, and noted the game was meant to create "its own kind of Lynchian hell." The game was also featured in the exhibition *Hunt and Peck: Alternative Expressions of the Keyboard* at the Chicago Video Game Art Gallery in June 2018.
The game received positive attention from critics, who often found its absurd premise amusing or bewildering. Rachel Withers of *Slate* called it a "painfully, slow, fittingly weird typing tutorial that will inevitably glitch out on you." Reviewers praised the game's take on David Lynch and his work.
Quick Facts
- Title
- David Lynch Teaches Typing
- Developer
- Rhino Stew Productions
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, Macintosh
- Released
- 27 February 2018
- Genre
- Educational
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
David Lynch Teaches Typing was developed by Luke Palmer, a filmmaker and founder of Rhino Stew, in collaboration with independent developer Hyacinth Nil. Palmer, who formerly worked as a typing tutor, stated the 'hellish' nature of 'motivating kids to type' had a 'macabre and mundane element perfect for David Lynch'. He integrated elements of David Lynch films, such as an undulating bug as a 'homage to Eraserhead', noting the game's intent was to evoke 'its own kind of Lynchian hell.' The game was showcased in the exhibition Hunt and Peck: Alternative Expressions of the Keyboard at the Chicago Video Game Art Gallery in June 2018.
Reader's Guide
David Lynch Teaches Typing received positive attention from numerous outlets, with critics expressing amusement or bewilderment at its absurd premise. Writing for Slate, Rachel Withers stated the game was a 'painfully, slow, fittingly weird typing tutorial that will inevitably glitch out on you.' Critics praised the interpretation of David Lynch and his work; Jordan Devore of Destructoid suggested players will 'probably get a kick out of (the game) if they're familiar with Lynch's work and mannerisms.' Amanda Kooser of CNET observed 'Rhino Stew's Lynch impersonator does a good job of replicating the director's speech patterns.' Jess Joho of Mashable praised the game as a 'perfect translation of (Lynch's) sensibilities to games...by turning the comforting, nostalgic virtual spaces of everyday modern life into something horrifying.' Many critics commented on the game's nostalgic and effective evocation of 90s educational entertainment games, with Erin Schwartz of Vice stating 'the game's design is familiar to Mavis Beacon graduates.'
Did You Know?
- The game was developed by Luke Palmer, a filmmaker and former typing tutor, in collaboration with Hyacinth Nil.
- The undulating bug in the game is a homage to David Lynch's film Eraserhead.
- The game was showcased at the Chicago Video Game Art Gallery in June 2018 as part of the exhibition Hunt and Peck: Alternative Expressions of the Keyboard.
- After being instructed to press the A key, a series of disturbing images and sounds cause the game to end.
More in Parody video games 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced