Status
SteamPeaks
ChartsSalesUpcomingPatchesNewsCalculator
New on SteamEvery app, DLC and depot the minute Steam creates itAppsEvery app on Steam, newest change firstPackagesSubs and bundles, and what each containsDepotsDepots, manifests and install sizesTagsSteam's user tags and the games under themDevelopers & publishersCompanies and their cataloguesTechnologiesEngines, SDKs and anti-cheat found in the filesChange historyEvery PICS changelist as it lands
SignalsNineteen readings of the whole catalogueCompareAny games side by sideRecordsAll-time peaks and the days they were setReportsWeekly and monthly write-upsAlerts & newsroomWatch a game, get told when it movesSteam statusIs Steam up, right nowWeb API explorerTry the endpoints in the browser
NewsSteam's own announcements and the sales calendarCalculatorWhat a Steam account is worth, and its pile of shame
/
Sign in
/
SteamPeaks
The ultimate resource for Steam data.
ExploreChartsSalesSales and festsUpcomingPatchesNewsRecordsTrendingSignals
DatabaseAppsPackagesDepotsTagsDevelopersTechnologiesChange history
ToolsCalculatorCompareSearchAlertsSteam statusAPI
SiteMethodologyFAQDiscordSupportSign in via Steam
Not affiliated with Valve or Steam. Game names and artwork belong to their owners. All times UTC.
PrivacyCookiesFair useStatus
While Waiting: ArtbookNewsDoing nothing
Community

Doing nothing

While Waiting: Artbook · published 4 Jan 2025, 02:37 UTC

All newsPlayers around this dateRead on Steam

Hey everyone. Happy new year! 👋
It’s time for another behind the scene at the development of While Waiting. Today, we’re diving into one of the most exciting aspects of game creation: gameplay design!

The Concept: Doing nothing 🌱


When we first started working on While Waiting, our goal was to create a game that felt both introspective and engaging. The idea was to capture moments of life — those times when you’re just waiting for something to happen, but you still find ways to make the time meaningful. It’s about finding something to do to kill time, like noticing the world around you, helping someone in need, or simply listening to the sounds of the environment. But why are we doing that?

Meet our protagonist


Adam is an ordinary human being, waiting for over 100 situations throughout his life.
As a child, Adam always fools around but also has a lot of imagination.
As a young man, Adam will experience student life, first loves, and his first parties with his roommate Johnny.
Studies are over, and Adam enters the workforce. Strange things begin to happen—could it be due to fatigue or the passage of time?
It will be up to the players to discover what happens next to Adam as he ages and moves through different stages of life.

A puzzle-game but not only.


The core gameplay of While Waiting revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving.

Each scene/situation is detailed as in real life and encourages players to take their time to explore the environment. Of course, they can wait and do nothing, but for those who want to keep busy, several challenges await them. A notebook indicates what they can do in each scene in order to collect stickers and make the time pass faster.

The Adventure of Life


Behind the comedic appearance, players experience a real adventure.
Immerse yourself in a unique blend of comedic reactions and a thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into the profound aspects of life.

How do you react to doing nothing? Is doing nothing a waste of time, or a good opportunity to take care of your mental health, to refocus on what matters to you? As children, we are often impatient, but as we grow up, how does our perception of time change?

Replayability.


While Waiting offers great replayability because it is impossible to collect all the stickers at once.
Puzzles are challenging but never frustrating, ensuring a smooth flow of gameplay.

Emotional Storytelling


While Waiting also has emotional storytelling. The narrative tackles themes of friendship, love, family, loneliness, loss and self-discovery will resonate with players.

The game invites laughter, joy, and introspection!
Thank you again for supporting us and don’t forget : until next time, happy gaming!

More from While Waiting: Artbook

Other announcements

All news
Sale19 Mar 2026Steam Spring Sale Event! Get 35% off While Waiting for a Limited TimeThe time for spring and the start of a new season is upon us, hence, a Steam Spring Sale event! Make sure to get While Waiting for 35% off from 03/19-26 -- limited time offer ⭐ Presented by the team behind critically acclaimed " Moncage ," and now the upcoming game, " Rinthine ." This is a transformative adventure exploring the art of waiting. Clear the game by doing nothing, but discover the p…Sale18 Dec 2025While Waiting on SALE for Steam's Winter Sale Event!Get a lovely 2D-styled puzzle game with a limited-time 35% off discount! 🎁 Give the gift of While Waiting, or play it yourself this holiday season. Presented by the team behind critically acclaimed "Moncage", this is a transformative adventure exploring the art of waiting. Clear the game by doing nothing, but discover the power of acceptance and patience in numerous situations from birth to de…Sale30 Sep 2025Steam Autumn Sale is Live!While Waiting in the Steam Autumn Sale Fall is upon us, and with the smell of freshly brewed pumpkin-spiced coffees, warm pies, and that subtle, but certain fall breeze, you can now wait - at a discount! For seven days only, While Waiting is on sale for 35% off! If you or your friends have been looking for an excuse to pick up the game at a great price, now's the time to do it! So what are you…