A charming platformer where Question Hound faces his fears: the viral meme becomes a video game
The meme “This is fine,” originating from K.C. Green’s comic On Fire, has become an internet icon over the past few years. Published in 2013 as part of the webcomic series Gunshow, the meme features an anthropomorphic dog, Question Hound, sitting calmly at a table in a room ablaze. With surreal composure, he sips his coffee and declares, “This is fine”—as if everything were going according to plan, even as flames rise threateningly around him.
A Metaphor of Denial and Passive Acceptance
Green’s comic plays on a powerful and, in many ways, tragicomic contrast: the passive acceptance of chaos. The meme has become a reflection of how people often tend to minimize or ignore problems and anxieties, even when they’re consuming us internally, all while maintaining a semblance of calm. This has made “This is fine” a global symbol of resignation, resilience, or passive despair.
In 2016, the meme’s first panel went viral, spreading across social media as a way to illustrate personal, political, or societal struggles. This charming dog, with his absurd and stoic reaction, represents an extremely human response: in the face of uncontrollable events, we convince ourselves that we’re safe, even as everything falls apart.
This is Fine: Maximum Cope: The Meme Becomes a Video Game
The fame of This is Fine has recently crossed the boundaries of the web, becoming the star of a new video game project, This is Fine: Maximum Cope. This adventure platformer, created by Numskull Games, takes Question Hound on a completely new challenge: to battle the physical manifestations of his fears and anxieties.
In this game, the protagonist traverses surreal, perilous worlds, each inspired by everyday themes of anxiety and stress. The “enemies” he encounters represent tangible anxieties that plague his mind, as if his neighborhood has transformed into a theater of unsettling dreams. Question Hound must confront and defeat “bosses” embodying his deepest fears, capturing them in special “anxiety boxes” to gain new abilities and progress through his journey.
This is Fine: Maximum Cope is not just a game but also a symbolic journey through the struggle with mental discomfort. With a charming, engaging approach, the gameplay unfolds across diverse areas that challenge the protagonist’s abilities. Each enemy and each boss represent a mental obstacle to overcome, in a search for inner balance that transcends the traditional narrative. For the This is Fine dog, true victory lies in reclaiming the tranquility of a “normal” life and finally enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee, free from flames and the traps of his own mind.
Behind the making of This is Fine: Maximum Cope is Numskull Games, already well-established in the industry for its ability to transform indie games into international hits. The passion and experience of the Numskull team enable innovative games like This is Fine to reach a wide audience, thanks to digital and physical distribution across all major platforms.
The Kickstarter Campaign for This is Fine: Maximum Cope
Alongside the launch of the video game project, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched, drawing the enthusiasm of fans and supporters of the meme. The campaign aims to further fund the game’s development, making This is Fine: Maximum Cope a full experience with enriched gameplay and exclusive content.
The Kickstarter page offers a detailed preview of the game, from its surreal worlds to the challenges Question Hound will face. The campaign contributions allow fans to be actively involved in the creative process, with donation options ranging from basic support to more comprehensive packages, including physical rewards, collector’s editions, and exclusive merchandise. Among the rewards are art prints, gadgets, and even the opportunity to contribute to the design of certain aspects of the game, giving supporters a chance to leave a personal mark on the This is Fine universe.
With only a few days remaining, the campaign has already gained significant popularity, confirming the interest in the project. Those wishing to join in and support This is Fine – Maximum Cope can visit the Kickstarter page to discover all available rewards and help Question Hound battle his anxieties!
