The game puts you in that world, but the judge isn't in the game. It focuses on one small aspect of the story, like the scalper gang (or maybe a different scalper gang), but doesn't follow any of the events in the book. You don't play as the book's main character, just some random person, but you might hear the book's character mentioned.

You can play passively. There are jobs (minigames) you can do for money. Buying only food, water, and shelter is affordable this way. There's beautiful scenery to explore and interconnected story threads you can explore non-violently, kinda like Stardew Valley.

All the NPCs in the game are ruthless, violent bastards, but don't present any harm to the player unless provoked.

Violence is entirely optional, but strongly encouraged by the world around you. Non-violent players can peacefully enjoy the beautiful countryside and chill while exploring the story threads. Violent players can still experience the story (or the parts that allow it), but should be constantly pursued by people seeking to avenge the death of someone they killed. If you kill the pursuers, someone will come to avenge them, and so on.

Like the book, the game should present the message that violence is everywhere and heavily encouraged, but needless and unhelpful.