Judge
Game Designer, Narrative Designer2021.2-2021.5︎ITCH PAGE
- Puzzle, Unity
- An interactive puzzle-solving novel set in a fictional dystopian 1980s country, “The New Republic of Chiu.”
- Players assume the role of Yao Bang, a government investigator for the “Committee of Justice,” tasked with solving cases and exposing societal oppression.
- This game represents a refined version of a previous project.
My Contribution
- Narrative Enhancement: Focused on deepening the game’s storyline and puzzle elements to create a more immersive experience.
- In-Game Computer System Redesign: Revamped the interface to present puzzles in a more diegetic and intuitive manner, enhancing player engagement.
- Real-Time Progression Implementation: Introduced real-time elements to increase immersion and provide a dynamic gameplay experience.
Narrative Approach
From Tutorial to First Investigation
- Puzzles as a Narrative Tool: Designed to explore dystopian and totalitarian themes, inspired by George Orwell’s 1984 and Hannah Arendt’s Eichmann in Jerusalem.
- Banality of Evil: Players embody a government official committing morally questionable acts without malicious intent, highlighting the concept of “thoughtlessness” in a totalitarian regime.
- Moral Dilemmas:
- Players face choices influenced by rebels seeking to overthrow the regime.
- Must balance their safety and that of their family while considering their role in the system.
- Player Motivation: Subtle background narration and mission progression provide context and encourage reflection on personal responsibility and responses to oppressive systems.
- Banality of Evil: Players embody a government official committing morally questionable acts without malicious intent, highlighting the concept of “thoughtlessness” in a totalitarian regime.
- Moral Dilemmas:
- Players face choices influenced by rebels seeking to overthrow the regime.
- Must balance their safety and that of their family while considering their role in the system.
- Player Motivation: Subtle background narration and mission progression provide context and encourage reflection on personal responsibility and responses to oppressive systems.
Puzzle Gameplay Loop
Hack Suspect’s Email
1. Hack Suspect’s Email:
- Players use the console to “hack” into emails, uncovering key information for the investigation.
- Players use the console to “hack” into emails, uncovering key information for the investigation.
Cross Reference Evidence
2. Cross-Reference Evidence:
- Gathered data is printed and displayed on the board for closer examination.
- Players drag, organize, and cross-reference documents to connect clues and build their case.
- Gathered data is printed and displayed on the board for closer examination.
- Players drag, organize, and cross-reference documents to connect clues and build their case.
Sumbit Evidence
3. Submit Evidence:
- Once sufficient evidence is collected, players submit their findings for evaluation.
- Once sufficient evidence is collected, players submit their findings for evaluation.
Desk Interactions
GUI
- Computer Interface: Combines a simplified GUI for navigation and a console for email “hacking,” added after players struggled with the initial text-based system.
Office Manual
- Office Manual: Provides guidance for players needing assistance.
Board
- Board: Players can print documents, drag, and analyze them before submission, reinforcing investigative gameplay.
Tutorial Design
Objective:
- Ensure players understand the core gameplay loop and mechanics in a seamless and diegetic manner.
Player Challenges:
- Playtests revealed difficulty in using the three main desk interaction components and understanding the computer-to-board workflow.
Solution:
- Introduced the “First Assignment” mission, guiding players to:
- Locate a specific email.
- Print it using the computer interface.
- Examine it on the board.
- Submit it as evidence.
- Ensure players understand the core gameplay loop and mechanics in a seamless and diegetic manner.
Player Challenges:
- Playtests revealed difficulty in using the three main desk interaction components and understanding the computer-to-board workflow.
Solution:
- Introduced the “First Assignment” mission, guiding players to:
- Locate a specific email.
- Print it using the computer interface.
- Examine it on the board.
- Submit it as evidence.