GET YOUR BEARINGS
About Her Story
Her Story is an award‑winning crime‑fiction adventure created by Sam Barlow, known for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories and Aisle. The game places the player at a static desktop interface that accesses a police database of live‑action video clips.
Players type keywords to retrieve seven 1994 interview recordings of a British woman discussing her missing husband. By watching the clips that contain the searched terms, the player assembles the narrative, making the experience both investigative and emotional.
01 / THE GUIDE
Gameplay Mechanics
The core mechanic is a searchable video database. Players type words into a text box, and any clip containing that term appears for viewing. This loop of searching and watching drives the entire play session.
There is no traditional inventory, combat, or timed challenges. Progress is measured by how many relevant clips the player discovers and how they connect the information.
- Try broad terms first to uncover many clips, then narrow down with specific names or dates.
- Re‑watch clips after finding new keywords; earlier footage may reveal additional context.
02 / THE GUIDE
Narrative Structure
Her Story tells its story non‑linearly through seven interview recordings from 1994. The player determines the order in which the narrative is understood by selecting which clips to view.
Because the footage is live‑action and unscripted, each viewing can reveal new details, making the story feel like a personal investigation.
- Take notes on dates and names mentioned; they often link separate clips.
- Pay attention to tone and pauses; they can hint at hidden motives.

03 / THE GUIDE
Search System
The search bar accepts any word or phrase spoken by the interviewee. When a term matches spoken dialogue, the corresponding clip appears in a list for playback.
Multiple results may show for a single term, encouraging the player to compare clips side by side.
- Use synonyms or related words; the system matches exact spoken words, not synonyms.
- Combine two words with a space to narrow results quickly.
04 / THE GUIDE
Audio‑Visual Presentation
Her Story uses live‑action video footage starring actress Viva Seifert. The visual style mimics a mothballed desktop computer, reinforcing the investigative atmosphere.
The audio is the primary storytelling vehicle; the player must listen closely to extract clues.
- Adjust your speaker volume for clear dialogue; background noise is minimal.
- Watch the same clip multiple times to catch subtle inflections.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform Availability
Her Story is released for Windows and macOS, with no Linux version listed. The game supports single‑player mode and integrates with Steam features such as achievements and trading cards.
Family Sharing is also supported, allowing multiple accounts to access the same purchase.
- Check Steam’s achievement list for optional milestones.
- Use Family Sharing if you want a household member to try the game without a separate purchase.





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