What if the princess wanted a different story…? ‘It’s Not Me’ announced for PC, profits donated to Women in Games

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She is supposed to be kidnapped, wait for a knight to rescue her and become his reward. But the Princess in It’s Not Me is beginning to have questions.

Independent game studio Games Matter has today announced its debut single-player narrative adventure for Windows PC via Steam, with a first teaser introducing a character who wants a say in her own future.

Set inside an unfinished fictional video game from 1986, It’s Not Me follows a nameless Princess as she becomes aware of her existence and the expectations built around her. Who is she beyond someone else’s story? What does she want? And can she choose a different path?

Players will explore her incomplete world, interact with objects, meet other characters and make narrative choices as she gradually questions the rules that define her life. With no combat, reflex challenges or puzzles, the experience gives its attention to exploration, dialogue and the Princess’s unfolding story.

The current development plan includes nine chapters and four endings, with an estimated playthrough of around five hours. English and Italian interface and text are planned, alongside keyboard and controller support.

Francesca Noto, Producer and Co-Writer of It’s Not Me, explained: “I was interested in the moment when the Princess starts to wonder why she has to accept the story someone else has written for her. What would she say if we stopped treating her as the reward at the end of an adventure and listened to her instead? That question is at the heart of the game.”

The story explores identity, gender stereotypes and the freedom to make choices for oneself. It is also a personal project for its creators: everyone on the team is donating their time, skills and work, with the game being made entirely pro bono to support Women in Games. 100% of the net profit received from Steam sales of It’s Not Me will be donated to Women in Games to help support the not-for-profit’s work.

Noto added: “Everyone involved is giving something of themselves to make this happen. We’re a small team with modest ambitions, and we want to tell a story we care about. Being able to support Women in Games through that shared effort makes it especially meaningful to us.”

It’s Not Me is the first project under Games Matter, an independent game studio wholly owned by Francesca Noto. Noto is revealing the game and its teaser today (November 13) at The Games Forum Roma in Rome.

Dr Marie-Claire Isaaman, CEO of Women in Games, offered: “Who gets to have a voice, make choices and shape their own story matters, both in games and in the industry that creates them. It’s Not Me explores those questions through a character we all recognise, but whose own wishes have so often been overlooked. We are grateful to Francesca and everyone giving their time and skills to this project. Their generosity and commitment to supporting Women in Games will help our work in making games a fairer place for all.”

It’s Not Me is planned for release in Q4 2027 at €1.99 / $1.99.