The Stanley Parable

Editor's Note: There are 4 distinct versions of this game: a Half-Life 2 mod released in 2011, an HD remake released in 2013 that is the one most often thought of, an updated version of the 2013 version released in April 2022 with the title "The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe", and a free demo titled "The Stanley Parable Demonstration" released before the HD version in 2013 that is somehow entirely new content, distinct from everything else. Ultra Deluxe is considered the definitive version, as it has pretty much all the content of the 2013 release with a ton of new content added, and that's the version this page will focus on.

The Stanley Parable is difficult to discuss - it's one of those that has secrets and surprises absolutely everywhere, and it's generally agreed that it's one of those games where the less you know going in, the better. I'll just say that the concepts of mind control and obedience are very much baked into both the story and the game design.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a first person exploration game. It is an expanded re-imagining of the critically acclaimed, award winning indie game The Stanley Parable from 2013.

When a simple-minded individual named Stanley discovers that the co-workers in his office have mysteriously vanished, he sets off to find answers.

You will play as Stanley, and you will not play as Stanley. You will follow a story, you will not follow a story. You will make a choice, and you will have your choices taken from you. The game will end, the game will never end. Contradiction follows contradiction, the rules of how games should work are broken, then broken again. This world was not made for you to understand. You are not here to win. The Stanley Parable is a game that plays you.

But as you explore, slowly, meaning begins to arise, the paradoxes might start to make sense, perhaps you are powerful after all. The game is not here to fight you; it is inviting you to dance.

Based on the award-winning 2011 Source mod of the same name, The Stanley Parable returns with new content, new ideas, a fresh coat of visual paint, and the stunning voicework of Kevan Brighting. For a more complete and in-depth understanding of what The Stanley Parable is, please try out the free demo.

What's New?

Everything that was in the original Stanley Parable is here, preserved just like it was back in 2013. But The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe also dramatically expands the world of the original game with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. The labyrinth has just gotten bigger.

In addition, the game has been visually upgraded to reflect modern technology while faithfully preserving the tone of the original game. Accessibility features have also been added to the game, including localization of in-world text, colorblind options, and content warnings.

And just as before, the impeccable voicework of Kevan Brighting will accompany you every step of the way.

Website

Ultra Deluxe Downloads

Steam

Nintendo eShop

PS4/PS5

Xbox One

HD Release Downloads

Steam

2011 HL2 Mod

Mod DB

The Stanley Demonstration

Steam

Archive.org