Those fond of a great deal or even completely free products are likely already aware of just how many games Steam practically gives away to its users. Developers and publishers will often run huge discounts on certain titles on the platform, run free weeks and weekends, or even just make an entire game free to keep for a limited time. It is, frankly, what makes Steam one of the better PC-focused gaming platforms and one of the many reasons most of its users have enormous libraries they’re unlikely to ever clear.

With the upcoming Steam Machine’s absurd prices having recently been revealed, users need free games more than ever. Fortunately, a great number of them have been given away as of late, including critically acclaimed indies, AAA darlings, and everything in between. Most recently, a lavishly praised title from 2020 has been reduced by 100% and is available to keep for a limited time. Whether it sits in one’s library for eternity or offers someone a genuinely transformative experience, it is absolutely worth grabbing this game for free while it’s available.

Tell Me Why, the narrative-driven, choice-focused title from developer DONTNOD Entertainment and publisher Xbox Game Studios, is available to keep for free on Steam. This is from the same folks who developed Life is Strange 1 and 2, Vampyr, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Remember Me, Jusant, and several other beloved titles. It’s best known for its focus on strong narratives and player choice, both of which Tell Me Why excels in.

It was released back in August 2020 to critical acclaim, garnering an impressive 78 on Metacritic and a Very Positive rating on Steam from over 8,000 reviews. It is easily one of the best narrative-driven games on Steam, with one user review calling it a “sweet, sad, and complicated story,” and another stating that it “touches on your heartstrings while weaving a tale of sibling love, complicated relationships, and parental issues as well as tackling what it’s like to be trans in a small town.“

Tell Me Why is available to keep for free until July 1, 2026. After this point, those who claimed it will still get to own it, but the offer will no longer be available, and it’ll return to its usual price of $19.99. The game is split into three chapters, with each one being included in the deal. Each chapter further uncovers the supernatural mystery at the heart of Tell Me Why’s narrative, with the player’s choices throughout dictating how it ultimately ends.

For those worried they may have missed out, fear not, as this isn’t the first time Tell Me Why has been made completely free. In fact, DONTNOD Entertainment and Xbox have made Tell Me Why free for six years in a row. The 100% discount happens in June of every year to celebrate Pride month, both as it’s a great and meaningful event worthy of celebration and because the game itself covers a lot of themes relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, Tell Me Why is frequently deeply discounted during major Steam events like the Summer Sale. Alternatively, there are plenty of other amazing free Steam games being handed out all the time that are worth checking out, especially if you’ve somehow managed to clear your backlog already. Regardless, Tell Me Why is worth picking up while it is free on Steam, especially as it only takes around 10 hours to beat, making it the perfect game to play over a cozy weekend.

Systems

Released

August 27, 2020

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Drug Reference, Mild Blood, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Dontnod Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Xbox Game Studios

Engine

Unreal Engine 4