Papers, Please

A Day in the Life at the Border

Papers, Please has you stepping into the shoes of an immigration officer stationed at the border of Arstotzka, a fictional country with its fair share of political tension. Each day, a mix of hopeful immigrants, returning citizens, and sneaky smugglers line up at your booth, each with a story to tell through their documents. Your job? Scrutinize passports, visas, and permits to decide who gets in and who gets turned away. But it’s not just about stamping papers; it’s about the moral choices and challenges you face. With every decision, you’re balancing the security of Arstotzka, the well-being of your family, and the lives of those trying to cross the border.

Making the Call

Diving into the role requires a keen eye and quick decision-making. Here’s a rundown on how to keep your booth running smoothly:

Checking Documents: Look over each piece of documentation carefully. Discrepancies might be minor, like a misspelled name, or major, like forged permits.
Interviewing Travelers: Sometimes, you’ll need to ask questions. Use the dialogue options to probe for more information or catch inconsistencies in their story.
Decision Time: Based on your findings, decide who gets the coveted “Approved” stamp and who receives the dreaded “Denied.” Remember, your choices affect your pay, which in turn affects your family’s health and happiness back home.

Papers, Please is more than just a game about stamping passports. It’s a window into the life of a person caught between the cogs of bureaucracy and the human stories that unfold at their booth. Each shift brings new faces, new dilemmas, and the relentless ticking of the clock as you work to secure your place in a world of gray.