No Longer Home is a semi-autobiographical game from the developers Humble Grove and the publisher of In Other Waters, Fellow Traveller. The game follows Ao and Bo. They are two non-binary friends who have just graduated from university in England. Due to visa limitations, Ao has to return to Japan, leaving their dear friend behind. Players navigate this transitional period for Ao and Bo. They investigate the pair’s flat, hang out with friends, play video games, and simply stay up late talking. All the while exploring the question, “How do you say goodbye to a place?”
The game started as a way for Cel Davison and Hana Lee of Humble Grove to stay in touch. Hana had just moved back to Japan. From there, it became a project that helped Hana and Cel “explore and express the emotions that came with saying goodbye”. When discussing the themes of the work, Cel Davison says that “precarity and identity” are major themes of the work, as the game is about “exploring our place in the world and finding wonder in everyday domesticity.”
These themes can be seen in the trailer. It showcases the various locales, with a nostalgic track playing in the background. The soundtrack is also of note; IGF-nominated artist Eli Rainsberry composed it with contributions from Derek Daley. Rainsberry is known for working on A Monster’s Expedition. The soundtrack to No Longer Home will be available for $9.99.
No Longer Home is coming out on July 30th. It will be available for $14.99 on Steam, Epic Games Store, Humble, and GOG.com, with a 20% launch discount for the first week.