In 2025, the gaming world unearthed a fascinating relic: the alpha demo of Big Brother, a lost game adaptation of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. Thought lost to time, this unexpected discovery offers a captivating glimpse into a potential exploration of Orwell's dystopian vision through interactive storytelling, a chronological continuation of his iconic work.

First showcased at E3 1998, Big Brother generated considerable buzz with its ambitious concept. However, the project was canceled in 1999, leaving its potential unrealized—until March 2025. A user known as ShedTroll shared the alpha build online, reigniting interest and revealing its innovative design.

The game stars Eric Blair (a subtle nod to Orwell's real name) who must rescue his fiancée from the Thought Police. Gameplay blends puzzle elements reminiscent of Riven with action sequences inspired by Quake, creating a unique challenge that tests both intellect and reflexes while immersing players in a chillingly realistic surveillance state.

Although Big Brother never saw a full release, its rediscovery provides a valuable window into late 90s game development and the creative approaches used to adapt literary classics into interactive narratives. For fans of dystopian fiction and retro gaming, this is a truly remarkable find.