So I have been pondering (yes I like the word) about The Void for quite a few days now and have restrained myself from posting to give me time to gather my thoughts as I was trying to figure out all the cogs, coils and springs to understand exactly what makes the tick in this metaphorical clock world known as 'The Void'.

As you all well know from playing the game, past the physical realm and down the metaphorical heights, this game does not give much away at all and is left to probably about 90% speculation (and I think 10% of factual information is a generous figure!!) All you actually get from the game is The void is a man, You, the lost soul; was the soul of the sleeper/the void/the man and anything past this is pure speculation.

When I think of the void, I see this man who is in his late 40's/50's or early 60's, with a very complicated inner self. He comes across as someone who is very susceptible to colour and light, with the possibility of being Bi-Polar. He has reached a certain point in his life where he feels he is in a position of despair, or known as a 'mid-life crisis' and the void is the inner workings of his brain. There appears to be three choices in The void, Do good in others (Ascend a sister), Do good in yourself (Ascend yourself) or Dwell in this despair (Descend into the nightmare).

When I think about the endings, I think more about what the brothers and sisters represent. If we can view the void as being the inner mind of a man, who is in a bit of a crisis, we can imagine that the brothers are all the negative influences throughout this persons life that hold back the child-like dreams to rise above and create something beautiful. With every sister(creation) there is a brother(Doubt/worry/fear) and the test is do you defeat your fear in creating something, or be subdued in the idea to preserve what you have and not step out of your comfort zone.

And then you are left with the decision on what you do, as a test of character almost. I know this seems to be over analysing everything, however it is what I do and what I enjoy, so I shall enjoy it for as long as I can before I move on and see this in two years and think 'You were such an idiot back then'. It is like anything of great interest, whether it is a book or an immersive experience (which is so much better than words in my opinion!) I just wanted to take the time to post my version of what the game means to me on a real world level and would like some replies on what you think.

I totally agree with everything you say, except I'm not really bothered about the specifics of the sleeper's age or anything like that. The sleeper could be anyone. The sleeper is us.

As far as themes, message and meaning go - I'm in total agreement.

I think The Void has a lot of life lessons for those who want them - a lot of things to ponder on - a lot of themes that can be applied to our lives. And in this (and other ways), it's a pretty damn unique and inspirational game!

It reminds us that we have the chance to live great and fascinating lives... or we can fall into decay. It can be extremely hard to strive for the things we want. But in the end, it's worth struggling.

You're certainly not over-analysing things, J_4mes. The Void begs to be analysed, and it begs the player to analyse themselves

Thanks very much for your thoughts, and for all your input on the forums!