The Long Dark will include 'willpower' gameplay mechanic

The Long Dark, Hinterland Studio's first-person post-disaster survival sim, will feature a gameplay mechanic based on willpower, the developer announced via Kickstarter.

In The Long Dark, players take control of William Mackenzie, a bush pilot who crashes in the forest. According to the update, willpower will act as a "gameplay buff" and provide players with a temporary advantage in life-threatening situations. Players will need to charge this ability by accomplishing in-game goals, navigating story arcs and more. However, willpower is not infinite.

"In The Long Dark, we manifest this idea in the form of a Polaroid photograph that Mackenzie has in his inventory and can refer to in times of need," the update reads. "When he looks at it, he is reminded of what he's fighting for, what he has to live for.

"But, with each use, the photograph fades a bit more, as though the memories that fuel it become less specific, less real."

Players will be able to upload a personal photo to use as Mackenzie's default Polaroid picture. Hinterland also added a new $25 reward tier; backers who choose this donation will receive an in-game locket for their inventory. The locket will replace the game's Polaroid photo.