The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video game›Life Is Strange
Entertainment • Video game

Life Is Strange

Life Is Strange is a graphic adventure video game series published by Square Enix, beginning with the first game released in 2015.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Life Is Strange is a graphic adventure video game series published by Square Enix, beginning with the first game released in 2015. The franchise is known for episodic, choice-driven storytelling and supernatural elements, especially time manipulation. The original game follows Max Caulfield and Chloe Price in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon.

Premise

The series follows character-driven stories set in grounded modern settings, usually with a supernatural twist. The first game centres on time manipulation and the consequences of player choices. The original story focuses on Max Caulfield, who can rewind time, and Chloe Price. The setting of the first game is the fictional Oregon town of Arcadia Bay.

Development and release

The franchise began with Life Is Strange in 2015 and expanded into multiple sequels, prequels, and related releases. Development has involved both Dontnod Entertainment and Deck Nine, with Square Enix as publisher. The franchise began with an episodic game released in five parts during 2015. Later entries, including Before the Storm and True Colors, were developed by Deck Nine. The latest release listed is Life Is Strange: Reunion on 26 March 2026.

Gameplay

Life Is Strange is an episodic adventure series built around exploration, dialogue, and branching decisions. Player choices affect relationships, events, and story outcomes.

Reception and legacy

The series became known for emotional storytelling, relatable characters, and social themes. It has grown into a long-running franchise with spin-offs and remasters.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with an episodic game released in five parts during 2015.
  • The series is published by Square Enix and originally developed by Dontnod Entertainment.
  • Later entries, including Before the Storm and True Colors, were developed by Deck Nine.
  • The games centre on narrative choices and consequences, often with supernatural abilities.
  • The original story focuses on Max Caulfield, who can rewind time, and Chloe Price.
🍁
Canadian context

The series is available on major global platforms and has been distributed internationally, including in Canada, through Square Enix's releases and digital storefronts.

Frequently asked questions

What is Life Is Strange?
It is a narrative adventure video game series published by Square Enix, beginning in 2015.
Who created the series?
The series began with Dontnod Entertainment, with later games also developed by Deck Nine.
What is the first game about?
The original game follows Max Caulfield, who discovers she can rewind time, and Chloe Price in Arcadia Bay.
Is Life Is Strange episodic?
Yes. The original game was released in five episodes, and the franchise is known for episodic storytelling.
What genre is it?
It is usually classified as an adventure or graphic adventure game series.
What is the latest release listed in the sources?
Life Is Strange: Reunion, released on 26 March 2026.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Is_Strange
    Supports: Series overview, developers, publisher, release history, and franchise entries.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Is_Strange_(video_game)
    Supports: Original game's development, episodic release, platforms, and gameplay perspective.
  3. Square Enix — https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_EU/games/life-is-strange
    Supports: Official description of the series, time-rewind premise, and episodic structure.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Is_Strange:_Before_the_Storm
    Supports: Prequel entry and Deck Nine development.