Missing: Since January for Mac

Brief introduction

Missing: Since January is a single-player alternate-reality experience designed for macOS. The game places you in an investigative role, following the trail of clues left behind after two people vanish while probing a string of murders.

Story and principal figures

The plot revolves around the disappearance of investigative reporter Jack Lorski and his associate Karen Gijman, who had been looking into a series of suspicious deaths. As the story unfolds, players piece together fragments of evidence to reconstruct what happened to them.

Gameplay and player tasks

Gameplay blends classic adventure-game elements with real-world detective work. You’ll watch short video segments, explore web-based material, and solve a variety of puzzles to advance. The progression depends on connecting disparate hints and interpreting multimedia clues.

Immersive multimedia elements

The title uses mixed media — recorded clips, in-game websites, and interactive puzzles — to deepen immersion and make the investigation feel tangible. These components are woven into the narrative to encourage active sleuthing rather than passive observation.

What sets it apart

Missing: Since January stands out for how it merges fictional storytelling with real-world interfaces, making the boundary between in-game and external content intentionally ambiguous. That approach gives it a distinctive voice within the adventure genre.

Other games to consider

• Her Story — a narrative-driven investigation using interview footage and searchable databases, suited to fans of forensic storytelling.
• Scary Tales: Vol. 1 (paid) — a darker anthology option for players who prefer horror-leaning puzzles and atmospheric episodes.