Here you'll find some more information about
Buitopia DVD. Check out the FAQ if you have any questions. You can email me on whenbeel@gmail.com
I've always found something strange about DVD menus, with their odd stutters and imperfections... I actually started making Buitopia over 20 years ago…then abandoned it once DVD became obsolete. I suppose finishing it has been a way to say sorry to 'Jess' after all these years...
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a DVD player...?
Have no fear! I've made a handy standalone version on Steam. It runs just like any other PC game. This includes gamepad support with optional rumble and navigation sounds, as well as steam achievements.
Can I play it on Mac or Linux?
There is a Linux version. I haven't ported the standalone version to Mac yet... but the .iso file should be playable with any DVD software that runs on Mac. I recommend VLC.
What is a DVD?
Before the modern era of streaming services, there was this ancient technology invented by our ancestors, called DVD. This was a small plastic disc, that magically played content when inserted into a DVD player. These discs sometimes had cool special features, like interactive games and little hidden Easter eggs. In those days it was possible to 'buy'... 'keep' and even 'hold' your purchased content in your bare hands, like a cherished shiny ornament filled with adventure and mystery.
How long is the game?
It's short, with various endings - some can be found quickly... but others are deeper... some content is
quite deep. Overall, I'd say somewhere between
45 mins to a couple of hours or longer... depending on how completionist you are. I've had a few friends play-test it, but to be honest I don't exactly know how long it'll take to see everything.
Can I burn it onto a DVD-R myself?
Of course! The digital edition comes with the .iso file. as a bonus DLC on Steam. If you have a
DVD-writer you can simply burn the .iso file to disc yourself. I recommend Imgburn. However, I make no guarantees this will work, and you could easily end up with a DVD coffee coaster if things go wrong.
What genre is this?
It's an interactive DVD Game... a bit like an animated short film, where you make choices. There's also light puzzle solving and secrets to discover. If you've seen my other animated films you'll mostly know what to expect.
Is there a way to save my game?
Not really... kinda... you'll see. There is a save file generated, but it's just to track user settings and progress with steam achievements.
Is it only in English?
Yeah, only in English right now. I'd love to localize it in future. We'll see.
Are there Subtitles?
Only in the digital edition, but not on the disc.
Just press M or back button on controller to enter the main menu and turn them on.
Can I run on PlayStation or Xbox?
The standalone version is Windows / Linux only. However, if your console has a DVD player, it should be able to play the physical disc version. I tested it on my Playstation 4. I didn't have the resources to properly QA the other consoles... so can't guarantee it'll run on them. I'd love to hear your experiences.
I'm talking to you... 'Panasonic Q' owners...
What about Nintendo Switch 2?
The standalone version can only be played on Windows and Linux right now. I'd love to port it to Nintendo Switch 2 someday. We'll see.
What about refunds?
For the Digital Edition, Steam can refund your purchase here: https://help.steampowered.com/en/
Please note! The physical edition is printed on demand - most of the purchase cost goes directly towards manufacture and delivery. Refund may not be available for the physical edition.
You really started making this in 2006?
Yup. I started making Buitopia then abandoned it and forgot about 'Jess' for 20 years. This is my way of apologising to her. Making this game has been like collaborating with my teenage self. I've tried to preserve the original 2006 'teenager' vibe where possible, while expanding it into more of a coherent game experience.
You're saying DVD a lot...
Yeah I do that.
Who still makes DVD games in 2026?
Me, apparently.
What is the best way to play it?
The standalone version on Steam is probably the most responsive and best looking.
I personally enjoy having rumble and using the gamepad. This being said, I also like playing on the PS4 with the physical disc... the little whirring disc sounds add something to the experience.
Using a dedicated DVD player is the most authentic... although be aware that disc-read speed varies among hardware... some older/cheaper DVD players might be painfully slow... I guess that's part of the 'charm' of DVDs... (and *ahem* why they became obsolete...)
Are you going to add more?
Maybe. There's SO much I had planned but didn't have time to include. One day I’d love to create an “expanded edition” with additional content, depending on whether there’s enough interest in the project overall.
There are also some technical hurdles with DVD programming... so there's a hard limit to the amount of content I can actually include.
Who did the voice acting?
Harriet Titlow
Ben Wheele
Simon Jackson
Anthony Santora
Jon White
Are you a collector of unusual and rare physical media? Check out the full playable DVD, sent right to your door! Included with the purchase is a Steam key sent separately to your e-mail. Please note this is the 'Launch Edition' of the disc...If I eventually make an expanded version you'll still have access to the latest digital edition for free on Steam.
I didn't have the resources to deeply QA the disc... there may be some weird bugs or incompatibility with certain
DVD players. Please note: the product is printed on demand - refunds may not be available.
Physical Edition
Coming Soon
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Product mock-up; final printed product can vary slightly.
