The Journey of a Meme: From Comic to Video Game

You might recall that iconic meme featuring a dog calmly sitting amid a backdrop of flames, declaring, "This is fine." It has become a staple of internet culture, widely recognized as a quintessential reaction image. While many memes fade into obscurity, the original artist behind this comic, in collaboration with Numskull Games, is transitioning this beloved character into the gaming world with a new title called This Is Fine: Maximum Cope. This game will explore the adventures of the dog, known as Question Hound, as he confronts a host of menacing creatures.

Recently, this exciting development was announced through a brief video posted on YouTube and across various social media platforms. The announcement confirmed that a Kickstarter campaign for the game is set to launch later this month, specifically on September 26. Although the Kickstarter page is operational, it currently does not accept contributions. Nonetheless, it offers some intriguing insights into the game’s concept and design, alongside an introductory pitch from KC Green, the comic’s creator.

KC Green himself shared his enthusiasm in a message: “Hello! I’m KC Green, the mind behind the comic series ‘Gunshow’, which introduced the widely-shared meme ‘This is Fine,’ featuring a dog named Question Hound, who dismissively overlooks the chaos around him. I’m sure many of you have come across it."

Excitingly, Green continued, “Now, I’m joining forces with Numskull Games to develop a classic, retro-style platformer. In this game, Question Hound will delve deep into his subconscious to battle the monsters and fears that plague our minds, resembling the everyday anxieties we all experience. QH has grown weary of these threats, and we all should too!”

Players will have the opportunity to run, jump, and employ new abilities to navigate the cluttered landscape of Question Hound’s mind, helping him fend off tides of despair and illuminate his darkest anxieties. Green posed a heartfelt invitation: "Perhaps through this journey, we can all acquire some coping strategies, or at the very least, enjoy a fantastic game that provides a brief escape."

Numskull Games, a UK-based indie game publisher, is known for releasing a variety of intriguing smaller titles, such as the popular Coffee Talk and the critically acclaimed AI: The Somnium Files. If you have a penchant for engaging platformers or a fondness for meme culture, this upcoming project is certainly worth keeping on your radar.