The Message Behind Firewatch

For the last video of 2018, I wanted to discuss Firewatch, a game with a message unlike any other. Bit of a somber video to end the year with, but hopefully still interesting!
Follow me on Twitter! / boldlywired
#Firewatch #CampoSanto

[@NorthernChev]

I’m actually glad that I played the game through a second time. The first time I was so concerned about having to travel ALL the way across the stupid map and making it around the map in a timely manner because I thought my tasks were time-sensitive, I didn’t immerse myself as much as I should have and didn’t pay as much attention to the documents as I should have. The game provides you with EVERY SINGLE clue you need to be able to understand the ending. If you just listen…

[@thystldown]

Really enjoyed this. I watched a let's play of Firewatch when it first came out, and it really struck me for some of the same reasons as you - there wasn't a big, epic fight, just the intersections of very human stories with very human tragedies.

[@horrorcult1322]

man this guy has amazing commentary and a amazing way at setting the tone with just about anything he talks about. This dude deserves more subs.

[@glyphtherad8406]

You've given me something to think about. I've played a decent amount of games in my life but when I think back, you're right- the ones that have a message that I was able to absorb are the most memorable. Makes me think a little bit more about what kind of things I'll partake in in the future. Not that games that are just there to be fun are bad, but maybe cutting some of those out would make me spend time in a little more worthwhile ways. I'm also going to try to be a bit more introspective about why I spend as much time as I do gaming. I forget that games are ways of escaping real life...

[@abrahamjuarez5611]

The real sad part of firewatch was when Markiplier dropped Forrest Byrnns

[@apoxfox]

I love your channel man you deserve waaaay more subs

[@denish0.1]

I also thought at first it was Julia! What I loved about the game throughout the game, it causes fear of something that is not abstract, fear of the unknown! Who knows a lot about you! Who has physically interfered with your suspicions! It's just smart writing !!!

[@greggen63]

Man, this hit pretty close to home. I've been playing video games a lot more over the past couple of years as I've been getting bored and frustrated IRL. Guess I need to consider whether that's really helping. I finally got round to paying Firewatch as a break from the usual action games I generally play, and I loved it. I'll be looking for more of this type of immersive game to break up my habits. Thanks for the video.

[@angelbows429]

This is amazing. You're amazing at looking at things from a different view. A truly fantastic video. Can't wait to see more.

[@johnnydub237]

Yep this video was amazing. I had a vague feeling that I was similar to Henry in my desire to escape everything for a short while. And that explains the almost anti-climactic type feeling ending of the game as well. Excellently put together here.

[@kaitdillard]

I just found your channel but I really enjoy the analysis you put into your videos. You deserve a lot more attention bc I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve watched. I hope to see more in the future!

[@FellKnight100]

Just stumbled upon this vid but you spoke to me and earned a sub. Keep up the good work.

[@pallete9844]

So professionally done and well made, amazing videos man, good job, I hope you keep going with these kinda videos

[@CPorter]

this has got to be one of the best looks at firewatch that i have ever seen. I Myself have invested 58 hours into playing the game. everything your saying is entirely right. This is just a really brilliant game. No Wonder their making a movie about it. It is a crime that this video doesnt have a minimum of 100 comments, 100 likes, and 1000 views

[@pdebaty]

This is a brilliant commentary, well done! You mention in your video about the games that will stay in your memory because they had something to say. Well, your video will stay in my memory because it’s one of the rare KZbin videos that had something to say. Thank you

[@AbleAnderson]

This is the best walking sim game I’ve ever played. I think about this game all the time; there’s nothing quite like it to me. I love the story, the setting, everything about it. It really needs to be experienced

[@odalysrg2212]

Hands down the best video on about Firewatch and the meaning behind it

[@cecinkm]

I remember watching jacksepticeye and markiplier play this game years ago, I must have been 12 or 13. I didn't own a lot of games at that point so I never played, but I remember being completely obsessed and watching every play through I could find, it's still one of the series that I go rewatch when I'm feeling nostalgic. It's a gorgeous game that I really should buy and play myself someday. although I guess I've spoiled everything again lol but I had to watch

[@soupystew8581]

This is some high quality introspection

[@mangoo40]

I am playing this game after like 5 years and I will tell everyone who wants to play a amazing game with story and things to think afterwards (like the women working with Ned or Ned actually killing his own son and many more) This is a great game.... Hope they make a movie or something! Amazing!

[@batman_outoftown]

Wonderful commentary and great analysis

[@nicholasperez5716]

I'm not disappointed with the ending. as I'm getting older the ending is a hard fact of life.

[@dunham19]

This is great! Fantastic writing & narration -- you have a new subscriber!

[@sonny5616]

this video and commentary is so amazing, you deserve way more subs and views - keep it up❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@danielloosjr396]

I wasn't disappointed I enjoy more artistic games, and I was expecting a walking simulator, and it was more interactive than I expected. I was expecting mostly just walking, not climbing, or all the tasks, but it wasn't annoying even when I got lost over and over because I got lost a lot and I'm so oblivious that I couldn't see the last board and went off to find it and it may have taken maybe 15 or 20 minutes I'm not even sure but it was more enjoyable than a lot games I have played in a while.

[@AcousticHarmonia]

Only just finally played the game for the first time the other day, and knew today I needed to take time to look into some videos really delving into it, haha

[@MrFuego200]

This is a beautiful video. I know I'm years late but thank you

[@Lumberjackk]

firewatch is a really good game to play after you experience heartbreak. it helps you to escape it for a while, and the message behind it works really well too

[@tigerbeauty]

So glad I found your channel! You're gonna blow up someday :)

[@shaunharrisonpiano]

Agreed

[@ThaoNguyen-mv1nq]

Here before the channel reaches tons of views and subs :) keep up the good work.

[@loganbuchanan9968]

Just found your channel, I really enjoy you're style of video keep it up man 👍

[@RandomDrood]

Amazing job with this video man, thank you for your work.

[@BoldlyWired]

Much appreciated!

[@rigsby86]

I've never been this moved by a game. RD2 was pretty sad as i got really attached to Arthur Morgan but Firewatch was on another level. Couldn't agree with this analysis more - we connect with Henry because, in so many clever ways, his character's motivations etc is designed to mirror the player.

[@CapatinT2007]

Played fire watch last week because it was on game pass and the cover looked nice and was way deeper and dragged me in so damn hard and I feel lost so I kinda wished their was a sequal

[@kko9329]

You're underrated! Good video!

[@hansothelion6744]

Very Very

[@footaba_1308]

Firewatch is such a beautiful game From it’s meaning and it’s looks

[@bielsabas4407]

You and Benson Quach sound a tad alike. This was an enjoyable watch, thanks for the video!

[@greeze7685]

Please make more vids bro just found you and love the commentary

[@cynuwu7329]

I wasn't dissapointed, but distraught, that some kid died. I felt really bad, and I didn't want Delilah, sure she's sweet and funny but, I just forgot everything as soon as I saw that corpse, I felt bad and just cried.

[@malveyy9284]

great video

[@DragonflyandTheWolf]

I actually agreed with the game's decision to send Henry back to his life to confront his reality with Julia. As someone with anxiety I find it REALLY hard to dive into something else to forget my problems. Usually if I have an active problem, it ruins the gaming experience for me and does nothing to distract me from it. I did not at all like that he was running away from his issues. Gaming only helps me relax if I do not have an active problem that requires attention.

[@akagamisoul5950]

REALLY GOOD VIDEO THANKS YA

[@lonr373]

Dude you completely missed the part where Delilah was working with Ned the whole time.

[@FinCrow84]

Guys!!! The game is GENIUS! If you think with your d**k you will be disapointing just because Henry doesnt get laid! 😅 But the ALL evidence is in there and it is twisted! I cant write all in here beacuse there is so much in there. When you get it, then the ending is more than masterpiece! All the notes that you find from the boxes: Ron = Ned Dave = Delilah They used code names before they got walkie talkies. Ned killed Brian and Ned and Delilah were somehow together. Ned and Delilah planned to kill the new firewatch straight away in day one before Henry could do any reports outside so Ned could take his place and life would be much easier for them. And the plan it self was that Ned shoots the fireworks and Delilah advices Henry to get the rope from the box and hike out there. ...and that very same rope happens to break. But Henry survives and that starts the cat and mouse play. Ned tries to frame those girls many ways after that. Cuts the phone lines to buy some time ect.. They also tried to frame Henry example the day when Delilah tries to manipulate Henry to describe how he looks. When you find the Brians body you can see that he doesnt have any climbing gear on him and also that tiny one meter long rope with a hook does not support that he was trying to get down, because Ned says in the tape that Brian didnt secure that hook and that failed!? So if that is true, then there would be much longer rope attached to it. Also you can find a letter in the Brians hideout where he writes that he wont climb anymore. So all the evidence is in there. It is so easy to lower the shields and really think that one summer walkie talkie "romance" is enough for the Henry to get laid in the end.. and lets be honest. That is the real reason why the end is so disapointing in the first place.. but if you play it few times more and keeping in mind what you say or share it will get quite clear. After all you dont know who she is and where shes coming from. There is just no reason to give any trust for her but just shallow small talk and just minding youre own business. And if you do, you can clearly notice that Delilah is frustrated when she wont get what she wants out of Henry.

[@rustyblades11]

I Have played this game many times over the time since it has came out, But never once did i ever think this was a possibility, However I have replayed this game with you're theory in mind and it totally changed the game play experience to a more survival horror type game.

[@JJake993]

Both the best and worst ending of any video game

[@weaselsnipes5999]

Here's my theroy: Few years before Henry gets the job Ned Goodwin took a job as the firewatch and a kid named Brain Goodwin and Deliah and Delilah and Brain got along but before Delilah was dating Javier until his mother got sick and afterwards Delilah and Javier broke up and Delilah lied saying he was bonking the neighbor and took the job as the firewatch and work there for 13 years and eventually the rangers saw a kid Brain and Delilah lied saying it was Ned and Brain was getting ready to leave until Ned and Brain were in a cave and everything went wrong he fall and was crushed and Ned saw it and ran and he lied to Delilah saying that Him and Brian left even though Brain is still in the cave rotting. Eventually Henry took the job to get away from his problem and while at the lake confronting the teens Ned was at the lookout looking though everything and stoled Henry's sheets and he was going back to his hideout. After Henry confronted the teens he found the cave but did not enter the gate since it was lock and Ned had the keys to it. Eventually Ned and Henry ran into each other and Henry went back to his lookout and found the place trashed. Eventually Ned cut the communication lines and found the teens tent and trahed it and left Henry sheets there to frame them and went back to the hideout. Henry found the camp and the teens blamed Henry. Eventually the teens went missing and Herny was the last to see them Delilah lied in the report and they continued watching the forest while Ned tapped they radio's. The big fire, The flapjack, the june fire started and while watching the fire Henry and Delilah starts to fall for each other. 12 days later Ned is still listening but left his clipboard and Henry finds it and finds a radio and Ned knocks him out and takes the clipboard and the radio and runs. Eventually Henry goes to wapiti station but it's locked and goes to a firestation post and finds a axe and while Henry and Delilah are discussing they hear Ned cough and Delilah tells henry to stay inside his tower and Ned watches them from afar. Eventually Delilah gives Henry a new radio and Henry goes to wapiti station and finds a site but unaware it is just a regular site but Ned planted stuff in there to throw them off. Eventually Ned records an audio and makes it sound like they burnt down the site. When henry leaves Ned burns down the site. Henry follow a beeping and Ned plants the audio in Henry's watchtower. While going back Henry finds ned backpack and triggers an alarm. Delilah sees a firgure (Ned) at henry tower and Ned leaves before Henry gets there. Ned contacts another lookout using Henry's name stating that Delilah knew the cause of the fire at Wapiti Meadow prompting Delilah and Henry to investigate the cave. The next morning Henry goes in the cave and as a last ditch effort Ned locks Henry in the cave but he gets out and finds Brain hideout and he goes back in the cave and finds Brain's body and eventually he tells Delilah and she blames herself and Ned knowing the truth is out he leaves a collar and a recording. Henry finds it and the tape contains a statement by Ned explaining his actions over the course of the summer taking responsibility for everything that had occurred stating that due to Henry's discovery and the massive fire approaching he is leaving to find a new place deeper inside the park. Stating that Brian's death was an accident and that he is sorry for all the trouble he caused Henry and about Julia's Illness. Evetually herny goes to delilah tower and find the tower empty and they talk one more time and the helicopter arrives and takes henry away. What happens to Ned after this is unknown but he is implied to be living somewhere deep within Yellowstone Park alone and living with the guilt and hoping that no one will find him.......ever.

[@iamadityavaishy]

1. Yeah I was disappointed that I didn't bust any secret government operation. 2. Also there are plot holes like Delilah working with Ned; she planned everything ahead with Ned : which should have been revealed at last when Henry visited Delilah's watch tower. There should be notes lying around to tell the whole story . 3. I would have liked the game to be an actual open world game like GTA with : 3.1 with side/optional missions : there was a red toolbox lying in Henry's watch tower, maybe we should have gone to repair something 3.2 with more freedom to roam (our moments were restricted, we could climb only a few selected cliffs; there was only 1 way to reach the cliff with the telephone lines cut but that place doesn't lie in the corner of our map.) 4. It would be great if there was a chase between Henry and Ned when Ned firstly show up at the top of the cliff. 5. Alone moments : I was actually disappointed that I didn't interacted with any character face-to-face, like the food supply guy or the communication line repair guy. I would really like to fund a small amount for the next part of this game with above improvements 😅 This game shouldn't have ended this soon.

[@NickFrykholm]

I’m playing the game now it’s really good

[@hidr6ps693]

I want to separate myself from where im at

[@howpe8100]

10:26

[@AbdelAziz-vs3qd]

Interesting that you didn't talk about thefact that most likely Delilah is a biiiig big lyer. And that she was working with Ned all along.

[@gus8378]

Man, this game sucked.

[@Micahangelo7]

The game is life, of course it did.