Bendy and the Ink Machine (BATIM) primarily takes place in the year 1963.
The Setting of Bendy and the Ink Machine
The foundational events of Bendy and the Ink Machine are firmly established in the mid-20th century, with the primary narrative unfolding in 1963. This particular year marks a pivotal moment, as it's when Henry Stein, a co-founder and former lead animator at Joey Drew Studios, receives an unexpected and mysterious invitation. His former friend and business partner, Joey Drew, summons him back to the seemingly abandoned animation studio.
Upon Henry's arrival in 1963, the studio is found in a state of severe disrepair, hinting at years of neglect and the dark secrets it harbors. The atmosphere of decay and the haunting presence of the studio's animated creations set the stage for the survival horror experience.
Significance of the 1963 Timeline
The choice of 1963 as the setting is crucial for the game's narrative and thematic elements:
- Catalyst for the Plot: Henry Stein's return in 1963 serves as the direct trigger for the entire unfolding mystery and horror of the game. Without his presence at this specific time, the events as players experience them would not begin.
- Era of Animation's Golden Age Decline: While not explicitly stated in the game, the setting hints at a period after the peak of classic animation, where studios might be facing financial struggles or undergoing transitions, potentially leading to the drastic measures taken by Joey Drew.
- Atmospheric Tone: The mid-century aesthetic, combined with the eerie desolation of the studio, creates a unique horror environment that contrasts the whimsical nature of the cartoons with their sinister reality.
Key Events in the 1963 Setting
The following table summarizes the key aspects tied to the game's primary time period:
Event Category | Detail | Year |
---|---|---|
Main Setting | Joey Drew Studios, a dilapidated animation studio | 1963 |
Initiating Event | Henry Stein receives an invitation to return to the studio from Joey Drew. | 1963 |
Narrative Start | Henry's journey into the studio's dark secrets begins upon his arrival. | 1963 |
This specific year roots the game's terrifying journey in a defined historical context, emphasizing the passage of time since the studio's heyday and the lingering consequences of its past.