INTRODUCTION

Narrative game that invites players to think about the importance of listening. Chosen as one of 6 finalists in Just Play Jam 2023, recognized for 'Audio Achievement', and showcased at SXSW 2024.

Featured in IGN and Gayming Mag.

Role: Solo Developer

Skills: Programming, Game Design, Audio & Writing

Tools: Unity, Yarn Spinner, Audacity

Play the Game

SUMMARY

I created this healthcare-themed game based around Cinereach's research into direct experiences of justice/injustice and the impact they have compared to passive engagement with the topic.

The game challenges players to step into the shoes of a busy doctor and concentrate on listening to their patient while being bombarded with emails, texts, and other notifications.

Clicking on the notifications causes the patient's voice to distort, meaning that a crucial detail could be missed. The better the player is at listening, the more likely they are to choose the correct treatment at the end of the game.

CONCEPT

I wanted to create a game that gave players the freedom to choose whether to focus on their patient or their computer notifications, but also made it clear that getting distracted would have consequences.

I achieved this by using audio filters and a ‘redacted’ style font to distort the patient’s voice whenever the computer is open to an email, message, or news story, rather than in ‘focus mode’.