Humble Grove Announces "A Line Held Tight," a Visual Novel Centered on Workers' Rights

New Visual Novel Explores Labor Themes

Humble Grove is developing "A Line Held Tight," a visual novel that centers on themes of workers' rights and industrial action. The game is set in a distant future where miners on an isolated planet face harsh working conditions and a potential strike. Players assume the role of "the Canary," an unpopular employee who must decide whether to support their colleagues in a fight against suppression.

Inspiration and Narrative Focus

Co-founder Cel Davison stated that the inspiration for the game's trade union narrative comes from the growing interest in unionization within the tech industry, particularly in response to mass layoffs. While set in a futuristic environment, the game uses this setting to reflect contemporary issues, drawing parallels to historical events like the 1980s miners' strike in Britain.

The game, built using the Narrat engine, features a dynamic story driven by player choices. It delves into the internal conflicts and workings within a collective, exploring how these dynamics can affect a political movement. The protagonist's journey involves navigating personal and political struggles, with in-game variables tracking how other characters perceive the player's decisions.

Setting and Artistic Elements

"A Line Held Tight" is set on an alien planet, depicting miners in mech suits working beneath the surface for exotic ore. The game's visual style is described as stark monochrome. Despite its futuristic setting, the game incorporates elements grounded in British history, including a traditional folk soundtrack recorded by Humble Grove team members Davison and Beck Michalak.