I just wanted to thankyou for this game.

It seems to me that very few creators (be they artists, musicians, writers or game designers) actually realise the effect they can sometimes have on people.

Which is why I feel it necessary to divulge my story.

Late in 2007, I was in a very intense relationship with (Who I thought at the time was) the girl of my dreams. Needless to say, this relationship dissolved quite explosively (see that Braid reference there). After the breakup, I didn’t fair quite as well as most people do, and I spiralled out of control mentally. I found myself taking illicit drugs frequently, and… let’s just say, i found “the bottom” with a self-inflicted thud.

Then one day, in a drunken, drug fueled stupor, I booted up my 360, and began to trawl the demo scene.

As I came across braid, I was instantly enthralled by the artwork that filled my screen, and simply had to download it. Over the following two weeks, I played Braid almost endlessly, being further, and further enveloped by the premise, the art, and mostly the story.

I found this beginning to resonate with my situation. The slow destruction and dissolution of losing something, finding something, and realising the choices that we all make are consequential, and have a tremendous effect on everyone.

I would like to apologise for vagarity of the connections, but I will not ruin the plot for anyone.

Now, to the point.

At the “end” of Braid, when the story was fully realised, I was changed. The biggest irony was how far I was actually removed from the true nature of the story.

I cannot pinpoint the exact catalyst, perhaps it was every part of it gelling together, but, in a way, I was saved.

I came to understand the reasons for the bad things in my life, and that I had created them all. I was my enemy, and I no longer recognised myself or what I had become. (Sorry that sounded so cheesy).

I now no longer take the drugs I was taking, though I will confess to still smoking pot. I also resigned from my place of employment (I was working in outbound phone sales for a major telecommunications company, another negative aspect of my life, causing me endless amounts of stress and anxiety)

As it currently stands I’m part of a very small amount of successful candidates to begin a career as a recreational manager for teens with special needs.

I feel that I need to take advantage of my existance, and simply be a human being, to exist for something productive. Something good. Something I had long forgotten how to be.

Thankyou Jonathan Blow for bringing this game to my life, and of course to ALL of the amazing people involved with Braid.

Free Hugs for all of you, Jef. M. Ellsmore.

Thank you

Also I know you are a busy person, but have you ever read Einstein’s Dreams?

And personally, thank you for keeping the story vague. My interpretation of your words means more to me than any definitive outline. Like reading a narrative and picturing the voices in your head rather than the contraints of hearing an actor who may not have the same verbal flavour you imagined.

I’ve recommended Braid to everyone I know. Again, thank you.

My main comment is that Wikipedia does not discourage spoilers anymore, citing that spoilers are to be expected in an in-depth article about XYZ subject. POV and inaccuracies may still be removed, but there is unfortunately no longer the “May contain spoilers” kindness.

Cheers,
–J.

I read in one of your responses that you were not interested in making any extra worlds, or a braid 2…. but what are the chances of a level editor?

I’m sure it’s much easier said then done, but the idea of community generated levels really excites me, and I would gladly pay another 10$ for it.

Keep up the good work, I hope the game keeps selling, because this is one gem that every puzzle lover should play, and I’ve recommended it to all my friends with xbox360 (and to everyone else, I said to wait for the PC version)