What Never Was
Released Jan 2019
What Never Was is a short, story-driven first-person game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving about Sarah, having to shoulder the arduous task of clearing out her grandfathers attic, and soon finds that not everything about the attic is what it seems.
94% positive · 5,113 reviews
Not yet
Released, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Not yet
Released, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
What Never Was is a short, free, story-driven adventure game that launched on January 11, 2019. It was explicitly described by the developer as the first chapter of a longer story — not a standalone complete experience.
In February 2019, shortly after launch, developer Acke Hallgren announced that Chapter II was in production, encouraged by the game's strong reception. In May 2020, the developer received an Epic MegaGrant to help fund and accelerate Chapter II's development. On January 11, 2021, a teaser trailer and Steam page for What Never Was: Chapter II were released, with the developer noting that no release date could be committed to yet.
That January 2021 post is the last known official communication from the developer. As of June 27, 2026, more than five years have passed with no further updates, patch notes, or announcements — despite the Chapter II Steam page still being live and the MegaGrant funding having been secured. The developer has not announced any delay, cancellation, or pause in development, but the extended silence makes it impossible to confirm that Chapter II is still actively being worked on.
Evidence
Developer released a teaser trailer and Steam page for Chapter II, confirming development is moving forward but that no release date can be set yet. This is the last known official communication from the developer.
Developer announced receipt of an Epic MegaGrant to fund Chapter II development, confirming development was underway though progressing slowly due to work obligations.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Acke Hallgren
Achievements
6
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player
About this game
Sometime in the late 2000s, Howard James Wright - an old but kind man - perishes. Leaving behind him many adventures, relics he's collected over the years as well as books authored, he is also leaving Sarah, his granddaughter behind.
Having to shoulder the arduous task of clearing out her grandfathers attic, she is soon to find that not everything about her grandfathers attic is what it seems.
What Never Was is a short, story-driven first-person game focused on exploration and puzzle-solving.
You play as Sarah Elizabeth Wright, exploring through your grandfathers attic, solving small puzzles and uncovering the story through gameplay. What Never Was aims to combine the gameplay of classic point-and-click games with the control schemes of modern adventure and walking sim games.
It is inspired by the likes of Myst, Indiana Jones and The Longest Journey and borrows themes from folklore, Norse mythology, and works from authors like H.P. Lovecraft.
The game is the first solo game and passion project of game developer Acke Hallgren with the support of a handful of supportive creatives.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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