In 2025, the gaming community was thrilled to uncover a long-forgotten project linked to George Orwell's dystopian classic, 1984. An alpha demo of the game Big Brother, believed to be lost to time, resurfaced online, offering a glimpse into what could have been an enthralling continuation of Orwell's themes through interactive storytelling.

Big Brother was initially unveiled at E3 1998, sparking curiosity with its bold concept. Unfortunately, the project was canceled in 1999, leaving fans and historians to speculate about its potential. Fast forward 27 years, and in March 2025, the alpha build of the game was shared online by a user named ShedTroll. This unexpected release reignited interest in the title and highlighted its innovative approach to game design.

The storyline of Big Brother centered around Eric Blair, a homage to George Orwell's real name, who embarks on a mission to rescue his fiancée from the clutches of the Thought Police. The gameplay melded puzzle-solving elements akin to Riven with action-packed sequences reminiscent of Quake. This combination was designed to challenge players both intellectually and physically, immersing them in a haunting portrayal of a surveillance-dominated society.

Although Big Brother never reached full release, its rediscovery provides a fascinating window into late-90s game development and the creative approaches developers took to transform literary classics into interactive experiences. For enthusiasts of dystopian fiction and retro gaming, this find represents a valuable treasure worth exploring.