It is time this article was written.
I will play half a dozen or so of the most famous walking simulators, then write mini-reviews of them and finally the essay.
Here's what I am thinking I should try:
Gone Home
What Remains of Edith Finch
Firewatch
The Stanley Parable
The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter
Kentucky Route Zero
I already have some of these, and will be purchasing the rest soon. I'll stream all of them too.
Let me know if I missed any high-profile ones. I am only interested in "deep", "meaningful", "GOTY"-level stuff.