Thief (2014): Where to Begin
--
Thief is an obscure video game that came out in 2014, was critically panned and commercially lackluster, and hasn’t been talked about much since. Well, I’ve been talking about it. I’ve been talking about it this whole time. I’ve been writing here for over three years now about it.
I understand this Thief project can be daunting, in both its scope and its bizarre topic. That’s why I’ve created a list of pieces of writing that I think exemplify, explain, and explore the idea behind this project. Reading these pieces will give you a good overview of what I’ve used this project to do, and will let you know if you’re interested in reading any of the other pieces. Please enjoy!
Thief (2014): A New Beginning
In which I introduce the project and set the stakes. Pretty important to even standing a chance understanding anything to follow.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/thief-2014-a-new-beginning-a5e80ecc3bc4
“A Day in the Life”
In which I break down time in the (Day? Night?) of a thief.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/a-day-in-the-life-2a0d0f404c34
Wondering
In which my mind wanders on my nightly filch.
Reload Save
In which I attempt to rejoin a story already in progress. It can be so hard to remember what I was thinking.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/reload-save-6289f34353e8
It’s The End Of The World And I Feel Fine
In which I gallop on rooftops.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/its-the-end-of-the-world-and-i-feel-fine-8b8df1fc4f11
A Day in the Life of a Guard
In which a guard speaks to himself about his life.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-guard-f3c5e04eb910
Up high no one can see me…
In which I lament that no one looks up these days.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/up-high-no-one-can-see-me-bec25d6d8435
Poppy
In which I hallucinate.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/poppy-7d147c207829
Food
In which my hunger compels me.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/food-c46bd9cf7521
The Wrench
In which I examine a frustration I have with the wrench mechanic in the game, and what it can teach me.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/the-wrench-52a12db3e2d1
Building
In which I argue both for and against argumentation.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/building-417521bfb1f5
Found on the Side of a Bar
In which I’m struck by the speed of months.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/found-on-the-side-of-a-bar-f25ff815e250
Eye Contact
In which I address the loneliness of Garrett.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/eye-contact-def406462064
Another Unsolved Case
In which we see the aftermath of a burglary.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/another-unsolved-case-319591cc838b
Developer Update #1
In which I rally my energy and set off ahead.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/developer-update-1-ef54e0837107
I’m Getting Away With Something
In which I complain about how much I enjoy this stupid game.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/im-getting-away-with-something-e70761df1fd2
Developer Update #2
In which I find myself Thiefless.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/developer-update-2-6b34bb0f8451
Jupiter Ascending
In which I explore my love for works of grand failure.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/jupiter-ascending-2052966b9db1
The Man Who Gives You Wire
In which we meet a man with a tool and a grudge.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/the-man-who-gives-you-wire-fb47b4c2a562
First of the Month
In which I question Garrett’s motives.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/first-of-the-month-702283c1ad65
Blue on Blue
In which I reset my objectives.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/blue-on-blue-c8bd68d0f2cf
How to Write a Poem
In which I share some helpful advice to any young writers out there.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/how-to-write-a-poem-a403eb6e6498
Developer Update #3: What Do Games Have To Teach Us About Me?
In which I expand the scope of the project, and commemorate my growth.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/developer-update-3-887ba13a0ac4
Capuchin Pilferer
In which we meet a little scamp.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/capuchin-pilferer-8be960169c14
Prey (2017)
In which we enter Lorenzo Calvino’s office.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/prey-5764fbfce22
20/1/4
In which I miss a milestone, in more ways than one I’m afraid.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/20-1-4-35e23386da7b
A Prayer for a Lockpick
In which Garrett displays a moment of superstition.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/a-prayer-for-a-lockpick-7692e9e07bcf
Document: Caged Birds
In which a Lieutenant billows.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/document-caged-birds-bb6370b5c326
Ector’s Emporium
In which a new (Ally? Threat?) is discovered.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/ectors-emporium-bd634effe532
Tone, Corrections, and The Gloom
In which I interrogate my means, if not my meaning.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/tone-corrections-and-the-gloom-e89b1453b8a9
Elias Baxter
In which we meet a young boy of no importance.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/elias-baxter-72e56cf280de
The Crippled Burrick
In which this boy meets a man of no repute.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/the-crippled-burrick-eea1ae0cfd7b
{0124}
In which I learn a new way to write.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/0124-50fdba88c533
Starting Over
In which I ramble about my desire to start over.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/starting-over-8d79b81bfd6d
Alien: Isolation
In which I share my time alone with you, the reader.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/alien-isolation-a8a5fcbcee30
What I Like About Lists
In which I list.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/what-i-like-about-lists-c67eac176660
Yearning
In which I stretch and yawn and dream of greatness.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/yearning-cca6e75e391e
5 AM
In which we all cannot sleep.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/5-am-b41f6b5beb5
1/23/21
In which … well, I guess I’m just not sure.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/1-23-21-da9ce8db2521
Developer Update #4
In which I start over.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/developer-update-4-11fc9b8ce3bd
Day By Day
In which I find myself untethered from the linear passage of time.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/day-by-day-86f7c74228e5
Signs of the Sojourner
In which I remember a complicated experience shared with my mother.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/signs-of-the-sojourner-4ee8f1e30de7
Legacy
In which I negotiate what I will leave behind.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/legacy-b893bcc94604
Projection Into the Looking Glass
In which I talk a lot more about myself than I meant to.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/projection-into-the-looking-glass-287e60fd5cb9
The City is Built on the Previous City
In which a rope falls past all of history.
https://hardheadtur.medium.com/the-city-is-built-on-the-previous-city-e066a56292c4