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The Salesman

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2025

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Quick resume

In the Salesman, you play as a recently laid-off employee trying to survive the grind of job applications, debt, and dwindling hope. Trade your belongings for ad-supported replacements as you slowly sell away your life in this psychological horror game

Global score

83/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Simulator

Pros

  • Strong narrative and thematic depth
  • Effective psychological horror and satire
  • Humor and charm balance tension
  • Good value for price
  • Unique indie experience with voice acting and sound design

Cons

  • Very short and repetitive gameplay
  • Minimal player agency and creativity
  • Some bugs and technical issues
  • Lack of content and replayability
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -3

    "Gameplay is very linear and repetitive with limited player choices, reflecting constrained autonomy."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Tasks are simple and predictable with minimal skill challenge, though some players appreciate the narrative complexity."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements or social comparison; focus is on personal experience."

  • Continuation
    -3

    "Short playtime (~1 hour) and repetitive gameplay lead to limited habitual engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    -4

    "Players follow a fixed routine with no meaningful creation or modification opportunities."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are solitary and narrative-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong psychological horror and satire provide an immersive escape from real life stresses."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and support for indie devs, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    -3

    "Limited gameplay variation and linear progression discourage experimentation."

  • Exploration
    -2

    "Environment is static and familiar; minimal discovery or new area exploration."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character or environment customization; presentation is standardized."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Game uses surreal and exaggerated corporate satire and horror elements, blending fiction with reality."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    1

    "Narrative and thematic depth offer some personal reflection and insight, but gameplay learning is minimal."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    3

    "Gameplay includes waiting periods (e.g., microwave) and slow pacing allowing for intermittent attention."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social interactions or relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player narrative."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players progress through days and unlock endings, but no item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    -1

    "Tension and unease dominate the experience, though some find humor and charm balancing it."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Effective use of sound design, voice acting, and visual atmosphere provide sensory engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive storytelling and thematic depth."

  • Strategy
    -4

    "Gameplay involves straightforward, repetitive tasks with minimal strategic decision-making."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Some effective jump scares and suspenseful moments create tension and relief."

  • Value
    4

    "Players generally feel the game offers good value for its low price despite short length."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on narrative and psychological horror."

  • Survival
    2

    "Narrative involves avoiding failure in a metaphorical sense (economic survival), but no direct survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026