Research

Thesis Question

How might I design a video game experience that helps individuals process the emotions of a breakup, gain closure, and foster emotional healing through engaging storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and interactive design?

Problem Statement

Many video games prioritize action, competition, or fantasy elements, often neglecting the emotional aspects of life. While some narrative-driven games explore emotional themes, few directly address breakups, grief, and emotional healing in an interactive and meaningful way. This gap presents an opportunity to design a game that not only entertains but also aids players in processing complex emotions through immersive storytelling and gameplay.

Therapy & Psychology Research

Insights from Hope Carwile

During my meetings with therapist Hope Carwile, we discussed the psychological process individuals undergo during a breakup, which closely aligns with the five stages of grief (Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005). These stages are:

1. Denial – A form of self-protection and isolation from reality.
2. Anger – Expressing frustration and protest against the loss.
3. Bargaining – Attempting to regain control by making hypothetical deals.
4. Depression – Fully experiencing sadness and surrendering to emotions.
5. Acceptance – Acknowledging the facts and embracing wisdom.

Carwile also highlighted how past trauma significantly influences how individuals cope with breakups. Childhood experiences, including parental relationships, often shape unconscious coping mechanisms (Bowlby, 1980). Trauma from previous relationships can also resurface, affecting emotional regulation and healing.

Color Symbolism in the Stages of Grief

Carwile and I also explored how different colors can symbolize each stage of grief, which may be incorporated into the game's aesthetic and emotional journey:

• Denial: Grey, white (uncertainty, void)
• Anger: Red, yellow (release through laughter), orange, fuchsia + white
• Bargaining: Green (exchange, negotiation)
• Depression: Black, dark grey, dark brown (earthy, hands in dirt), dark blue (depth)
• Acceptance: White, yellow (transformational, bright sun, energy-giving yet anxiety-inducing)

For simplicity in game design, I am currently focusing on the five core stages of grief. However, in the future, I would consider incorporating a deeper character backstory to explore how personal history shapes an individual's response to loss.

Game Design & Background

Research on 2D Game Aesthetics

Charles Valesechi helped me develop this portion of the game by emphasizing the importance of clearly distinguishing the two visual styles, so the audience can easily recognize they’re in different worlds. He also guided me in simplifying my character designs, especially for a 2D game, by encouraging me to consider both the artistic and coding aspects to ensure the game remains realistic and achievable.
With Charles Valesechi advice and the extensive research on 2D games, I created two different mood boards to distinguish between:

• The gameplay world - 2D style, with a stylized cartoon-inspired aesthetic
• The storyline world – 2D/3D style, with a more lifelike and detailed visual approach

Naming & Cultural Influence

To align the game with its healing theme, I explored translations of the word "healing" in different languages. Ultimately, I chose "Chiyu" (치유), the Korean word for healing, as a representation of my cultural identity. Incorporating Korean traditional elements remains a challenge due to the limited representation of Korean stylized games in the U.S. gaming industry (Chung & Fung, 2013). However, I am actively researching ways to blend Korean architecture, mythology, and aesthetics into the game.

One of my key references for integrating Korean architecture is the Seoul Hanok Portal, which provides extensive information about the structure and design of Hanok (traditional Korean houses). The Hanok style features natural materials, curved roofs, and open courtyards, which I aim to incorporate into my game's environments (Seoul Metropolitan Government, n.d.). This research helps ensure that the game remains authentic while presenting a visually rich and immersive world.

Theme & Character Design

Inspired by Hollow Knight, which utilizes its characters based on skulls and insects, I explored alternative themes to unify my game’sartistic direction. I ultimately gravitated toward the ocean due to its dual nature—both soothing and chaotic. This theme allows for dynamic enemy and boss designs based on different depths of the ocean, reflecting emotional progression within the game.

Process Book Inspiration: The Art and Making of Arcane

As I work on documenting my game development process, I am drawing inspiration from The Art and Making of Arcane (2022). This book details the artistic journey behind the hit animated series Arcane, offering deep insights into world-building, character design, and storytelling. The visually rich layouts and behind-the-scenescontent provide a structured and aesthetically compelling approach that I aim to replicate in my process book for Chiyu.


The Art and Making of Arcane excels in:

• Presenting concept art and development sketches in an organized manner.
• Structuring the creative workflow into phases (early sketches, color studies, and final renders).
• Offering insightful commentary from artists and designers on stylistic choices.

By adopting a similar format, my process book will not only document the visual evolution of Chiyu but also showcase my thought process in a clear, visually engaging way. I plan to integrate:

• Layered sketches showing character and environmental progression.
• Mood boards and color palettes that define the emotional tone of different stages of the game.
• Annotated design choices, explaining how they tie into Korean aesthetics and the five stages of grief.

This structured approach will ensure that my process book is both a valuable design archive and a visually captivating narrative that complements the game's themes.

References