A Matter of Principle

About

A Matter of Principle is a choice-driven visual novel that re-examines the events leading to World War I through a narrative focused on Gavrilo Princip and Franz Ferdinand. Players navigate branching scenarios and dialogue options to explore motivations, relationships, and historical context. The story unfolds with a comic-style art direction and text-heavy interactions that emphasize moral ambiguity and historical analysis. Key moments hinge on decisions that reshape perspectives on the characters and their roles in the conflict. Developed by DillyFrame and released January 2023, the game stands out for its concise yet layered approach to a complex historical topic. Community feedback highlights its educational value and thought-provoking scenarios, though some note the pacing can feel dense. Available on PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch, it offers a single-player experience that blends history with speculative what-ifs. The game’s runtime averages four to six hours, making it a brisk but impactful dive into early 20th-century politics.

Storyline

The Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip killed the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand, which became a formal reason to start the first world war of its kind ... But who was Princip and what led him to this act? Who was Franz Ferdinand and how did he meet that fateful day? What do they have in common and could war have been avoided?