Imagining Life in Neo-San Francisco for ‘Read Only Memories’

Read Only Memories doesn’t go out of its way to educate players about buildings and landmarks. The game is more concerned with capturing the spirit of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, and, most importantly, its people.

Conn’s primary goal in developing Read Only Memories was to make a game that featured a diverse assortment of queer characters in prominent roles, but wouldn’t be aimed exclusively at queer audiences. Instead, it’s a game that should feel approachable to anyone, particularly fans of sci-fi and of classic point-and-click adventure games. In fact, Conn hopes that some players who are resistant to the idea of engaging with queer characters might find their perspectives challenged by their time in Neo-San Francisco.

“In a way, I do want it to be subversive,” Conn says. “You don’t have to like the queer characters, but you do have to interact with them and sometimes rely on them for help. And I think a lot of people don’t get that exposure. Speaking from a gay man’s perspective, growing up, I was desperate to play games that had gay characters.”

Read the full story on KQED Arts, and check out my earlier story on the game, Queering the Future: Progress and Privilege in the Cyberpunk Adventure Read Only Memories.