### The Alters: A Reflection on Choices and Consequences

The RPS Advent Calendar for 2025 has commenced, revealing one game each day that captured the hearts of its creators, culminating in a favorite on December 24th. One standout title featured in this series is 11 Bit Studios’ “The Alters,” a sci-fi management game that delves into themes of life choices and personal identity through the unique lens of clone management.

#### A Personal Connection

The release of “The Alters” coincided with a period of introspection and dissatisfaction in my own life, particularly regarding the choices I’d made about my career. Before joining Rock Paper Shotgun, I had ventured briefly into financial copywriting, which left me questioning whether I had chosen to pursue game journalism out of genuine passion or mere circumstance. This context framed my experience of playing “The Alters,” enabling a deeper engagement with its narrative of self-discovery and alternative life paths.

#### Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, “The Alters” tasks you with leading a crew of shipwrecked astronauts trying to survive on an alien planet while managing resources and cloning various versions of the protagonist, Jan. Unlike traditional clone mechanics, the clones represent divergent life choices, each embodying different traits and skills based on their unique backstories.

For example, you can create a Jan who dedicated his life to science, thereby enhancing laboratory productivity, or a Jan who turned to mining, reinforcing resource collection capabilities. This intricate web of choices highlights the consequences that arise from the paths one takes in life, resulting in a complex gameplay experience reminiscent of 11 Bit Studios’ previous title, “This War of Mine.”

#### Themes of Identity and Choice

“The Alters” transcends the traditional management genre by exploring heavier themes. Each variant of Jan represents not only different skill sets but also the emotional weight of choices made and not made. The narrative dives into how personal choices shape identity; for instance, the scientist Jan abandoned a potential romantic relationship for intellectual fulfillment, while the miner Jan chose immediate financial stability over academic pursuits to care for his mother.

These choices resonate with players in profound ways, often making them reflect on their own decisions through gameplay, stirring feelings of regret and hope.

#### Impactful Storytelling

The outcomes in “The Alters” can vary greatly based on the player’s decisions. In my initial playthrough, I leaned towards a utilitarian mindset, striving for the happiest and most prosperous outcome for my Jans. Yet, this approach led to an uncomfortable ending that compelled me to confront the moral implications of my choices. Much like “Disco Elysium,” the game challenges players to acknowledge that indecisiveness can carry its own burdens, emphasizing that taking a stand—no matter how messy—is often more meaningful.

#### Conclusion

Engaging with “The Alters” was a cathartic experience that echoed both my struggles and aspirations regarding choices in life. While the game might not have singlehandedly inspired my search for new opportunities, it served as a poignant reminder of the significance of our decisions and their far-reaching effects. The game’s narrative and mechanics intricately intertwine, offering players not just entertainment, but also a mirror reflecting their own journeys and the roads not taken.