The Stanley Parable is a player video game where you play as the protagonist Stanley, who works in an office building. One day that screen goes blank. Stanley, unsure what to do, starts to explore the building and finds it devoid of people.

The story is presented to you by the Narrator, who guides you and your choices throughout the game. It is your decision if you want to follow the voice or not.

The game's main theme is choice and the relationship between the game and the player.