"Moving Forward" Prototype - Narrative Design, Gameplay Mechanics

Project Title: Moving Forward: A Metaphorical Journey Through Industry Barriers

Overview:
"Moving Forward" is a narrative-driven puzzle game designed to explore the challenges faced by women and minorities in the gaming industry and other STEM-related fields. This project focuses on conveying feelings of constriction, frustration, and eventual realization through metaphorical environments, character monologues, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Narrative Design Goals:
1) Evoking Empathy and Reflection:
- Created a narrative that resonates with players who have experienced feelings of isolation and discrimination in professional environments.
- Used metaphors and symbolism to explore complex social issues in a relatable and engaging way.

2) Conveying Emotional Journey:
- Designed a character arc that progresses from initial optimism to feelings of frustration, confusion, and eventual empowerment.
- Utilized character monologues and environmental cues to convey the protagonist's internal emotional state.

3) Addressing Systemic Issues:
- Crafted a narrative that highlights the systemic nature of discrimination and the importance of community support.
- Encouraged players to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives on social justice.

Narrative Design Implementation:
1) Metaphorical Environment:
- The stylized forest environment serves as a visual representation of the protagonist's career journey and internal struggles.
- The progression through the forest mirrors the protagonist's emotional descent and eventual realization.

2) Character Monologue:
- The protagonist's internal monologues provide insight into her thoughts and feelings, creating a personal connection with the player.
- The gradual shift in tone from nonchalance to agony reflects the increasing strain on the protagonist's mental health.

3) Gameplay Mechanics as Metaphor:
- The puzzle mechanic of contorting the character's limbs to fit through cracks in a stone wall symbolizes the feeling of being forced to conform to restrictive industry standards.
- The intentionally uncomfortable character poses emphasize the protagonist's sense of helplessness.
- The ball of light represents intuition and forward momentum.
4) "Upside Down" Sequence:
- The "upside down" level serves as a climactic moment of confusion and self-doubt, representing the protagonist's feeling of being disoriented and out of place.
- The player confusion, although initially seen as a bug, was turned into a moment of narrative value by iteration and testing.

5) Ending Realization:
- The protagonist's realization that she is not alone and that others have faced similar challenges provides a sense of hope and empowerment.
- This realization highlights the importance of community and systemic change.

Controls and Interface Design (Narrative Impact):
1) Mouse-Based Controls:
- The decision to use mouse-based controls was driven by the need to make the game accessible to a wider audience, including non-gamers.
- This design choice reinforces the narrative's focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
The removal of complicated controls allowed the player to focus on the narrative.

2) Tutorial Design:
- The in-depth tutorial stage ensures that all players, regardless of their gaming experience, can understand the game's mechanics and narrative.
- The lowered difficulty of puzzles also allows the player to focus on the narrative.

Narrative Themes:
- Discrimination and gender roles in STEM fields.
- Anxiety, self-doubt, and mental health.
- Systemic vs. individualistic issues.
- The importance of community and representation.
- Personal growth and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:
"Moving Forward" demonstrates my ability to craft a compelling narrative that explores complex social issues through engaging gameplay mechanics and metaphorical environments. It showcases my skills in character development, dialogue writing, and narrative design, as well as my ability to design accessible and impactful player experiences.