iam8bit.gay is the Ultimate Gaymer’s Emporium
Founded in 2005, iam8bit is a creative production emporium that refuses to be pigeonholed. In addition to pushing the creative boundaries of community events for the videogame industry, their online shop offers merch like pins, apparel, art, premium physical editions of top-tier games, and exquisitely-produced vinyl editions of videogame soundtracks.
To celebrate Pride 2021, they are launching their .gay domain at iam8bit.gay and releasing the soundtrack of Tell Me Why, a narrative-driven adventure game that features a transgender main character.
Tell Me Why tells the story of twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan who return to their childhood home in Alaska to investigate their mother's death. Their telepathic bond sets them apart, and also serves to provide the player with insight into game developer DONTNOD's empathetic and relatable story about childhood, identity, and redemption.
Following its release last year, the game has won several awards, including "Games for Impact" at The Game Awards and "Best Microsoft Xbox Game" at the Best of Gamescom Awards. DONTNOD's work in exploring trans identity in mainstream gaming earned Tell Me Why a GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Video Game." Tell Me Why is currently free on Xbox and PC throughout the month of June.
The Tell Me Why vinyl soundtrack is available for pre-order on iam8bit today. The LP features 17 songs from composer and musician Ryan Lott's ethereal score. The music is as complex as the game's themes, with sparse passages building into complicated and soaring melodies.
The premium vinyl is packaged inside a breathtaking sleeve, which faithfully recreates the in-game Book of Goblins. Trans, nonbinary fiber artist Theo Randall was inspired by the game's handcrafted piece, which is an emotional touchstone throughout Tell Me Why. They've used quilting, linotype stamping, and applique techniques to create a physical piece that embodies what makes the game so special. The quilted theme is further underscored by embossing and debossing, which create the illusion that the soundtrack album has somehow been pulled from the game into this world. It's a remarkable piece of tactile art that draws inspiration from not only the Book of Goblins but also Tell Me Why's deeper themes.
The $39.99 album also includes a digital download of the soundtrack. Orders are expected to ship Q1 2022. As part of Pride Month, customers can choose to donate a dollar or round up their total at checkout to the nearest dollar in support of Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project. iam8bit will match those donations.