The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person adventure game developed by The Astronauts, released in 2014. Set in the fictional Red Creek Valley, the game follows the story of a paranormal investigator named Paul Prospero, who is drawn to the area after receiving a disturbing letter from a young boy named Ethan Carter. As players navigate through the lush, immersive world, they uncover the mysteries surrounding Ethan's disappearance, as well as the dark secrets lurking in the valley. The game is notable for its stunning visuals, atmospheric sound design, and a strong narrative focus that emphasizes exploration and discovery.
Gameplay in The Vanishing of Ethan Carter revolves primarily around solving environmental puzzles and uncovering the story through observation rather than traditional combat mechanics. Players can interact with various objects and uncover clues that shed light on Ethan's fate. The game employs a unique mechanic called "visualization," which allows players to piece together past events through the landscape, providing a deeper understanding of the narrative. The open-world structure encourages exploration, allowing players to discover hidden areas and engage with the rich lore of the game's environment, ultimately culminating in a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion that resonates with themes of loss, love, and the supernatural.
