Moodboard
Emotions
- Horror (visually and mentally): Build a foreboding atmosphere where the unknown and unseen are always just out of sight, leaving players uneasy about what might be lurking in the shadows of Echo’s past and her now haunted surroundings. Also emphasize the horror of Echo’s untimely death and the tragic loss of what her life could have been.
- Empathy: Feeling a deep connection with Echo, understanding her struggles, aspirations, and the abrupt end to her promising life.
- Tension: The urgency and pressure of uncovering the truth before the break of dawn adds a suspenseful, time-sensitive challenge.
Directions
We decide on an analog game with escape room mechanisms with physical (newspaper, calendar, locked diaries, etc.) and digital elements (emails, blogs, phones, etc.)—combing box escape room and transmedia storytelling elements.
However, we have different narratives:
- Horror-based detective narrative: It emphasizes deeply interactive game mechanics, engaging in a series of intricate puzzles and challenges, each designed to gradually unveil facets of a gripping murder mystery. The core aesthetic of the game focuses on the detective theme, where solving challenges not only progresses the storyline but also reveals complex layers of the narrative. As players solve each puzzle, they peel back layers of the story, drawing closer to uncovering the truth behind a chilling murder. This blend of interactive gameplay and detective work ensures a deeply engaging and immersive experience.
- Humor-based horror narrative: In this version, the central plot twists traditional horror and detective themes with a strong undercurrent of humor. Players follow the journey of our protagonist, who, after navigating a series of eerie and suspenseful challenges, discovers that her death was actually the result of a comical mishap. Despite the trials and tribulations faced along the way, this unexpected revelation adds a light-hearted twist to the conclusion, offering players a unique blend of suspense and humor. This surprising turn not only alleviates the tension built throughout the game but also provides a humorous relief that contrasts sharply with the game’s generally dark tone.
- Seriousness-based horror narrative: In this haunting narrative, the game delves into the grim reality of mental health struggles among the youth. Our protagonist, once a vibrant individual, faces an overwhelming battle with severe mental health issues, a struggle that mirrors the pressures and expectations placed on young adults today. The game portrays her journey through a lens of horror, not just in the supernatural sense but in the raw, harrowing experiences of mental anguish. Her demise, a poignant culmination of these struggles, serves as a critical reflection on the societal pressures that often go unnoticed but can lead to tragic outcomes. This serious tone is maintained throughout the game, encouraging players to consider the real-world implications of mental health challenges and the importance of addressing them compassionately.
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