Waiting for Franklin

Waiting for Franklin is a point and click adventure game with a surreal and atmospheric tone. Set aboard a ship trapped in Arctic ice, the game draws inspiration from the ill-fated Franklin Expedition and the existential themes of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Players assume the role of Thomas Armitage, a Gunroom Steward aboard HMS Terror, who finds himself stranded in a frozen wasteland, awaiting orders, rescue, or even meaning, none of which may ever come.

The gameplay unfolds within a single, static scene on the icebound ship. Players interact with the environment and converse with the remaining crew, both living and dead, through branching dialogue. Actions include examining objects, performing repetitive tasks, and progressing through a series of minimalistic but meaningful encounters that reflect the passage of time and Armitage’s deteriorating mental state. There are no traditional puzzles or inventory systems; instead, progress is narrative-driven and thematic.

Distinctive features include its minimalist design, haunting ambient soundscape, and an emphasis on existential dread over traditional adventure mechanics. Dialogue is laced with bleak humor and quiet horror, as players confront the futility of survival in a world where nothing changes. Historical characters such as Henry Peglar, William Braine, and George Chambers contribute to a ghostly, reflective atmosphere in a setting that is as much about waiting as it is about discovery.