Daniel Schutes

 is a minor character in Gone Home, mentioned occasionally in journal entries, who was Sam's first and only friend during her childhood.

Biography
Daniel grew up in Sam's neighborhood who enjoyed playing video games and often did so with Sam at his house. Sam even wrote a story about herself and Daniel on an adventure. They gradually grew apart as Sam grew older, especially once the Greenbriar family moved to their inherited mansion in Arbor Hill, Oregon. Sam took many of Daniel's Nintendo games with her, and both her and Daniel's mothers encouraged that they play together again some time. Sam was reluctant to do so after moving, as she thought he was weird and that his games were the only reason they ever hung out together.

During Sam's first school year at the new house, Daniel comes over to finally collect his Nintendo games from Sam, which she had been dreading. However, Daniel brought the story that Sam wrote when they were younger, causing her to cry as she realised how much she had taken for granted in their friendship. She explains her new school life, including her relationship with Lonnie, and her regrets of how their friendship hadn't lasted after the move. Daniel hugs her and says that everything will be all right.

Behind the Scenes
Daniel was originally named Josh, with all of the files related to him calling him Josh rather than Daniel with the exception of the files related to the story Sam wrote about her and Daniel as kids, which is called Daniel Story.