OVERVIEW
A Lasting Trace is a 3D-adventure, which aims to realistically portray the effects of sexual trauma. It follows the story of film student Nina, a young woman suffering from PTSD, who is unaware of the nature of her mental health issues. The player uncovers the truth about Nina’s trauma and searches for coping mechanisms that are guided by empathy instead of self- reproach.
PROJECT DETAILS
Role: Game Design
Team Size: 1
Platform: PC
Project Status: Concept
Development: 12 weeks
Genre: Adventure
MY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research
- Designing and writing the story
- Designing the narrative universe and world
- Designing game mechanics and gameplay
- Creating a game design document
SAY MY NAME - THE PROJECT
Nina journeys through notable events of the past year, because there have been drastic changes in her recent behaviour for which she cannot account. She has difficulties remembering and relies on her diary and phone to fill in the missing pieces. As more details resurface, she notices that her issues started shortly after ending her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Toby. Nina realises that he sexually abused her. However, at the time she did not comprehend what was going on and insisted that she was at fault and should have behaved differently. Nina decides to delve a second time into the memories that have led to her discovery. As she re-evaluates her experiences, she begins to accept her out-of-line behaviour because she understands its root cause. Determined to thrive regardless of what happened, she decides to start her journey of recovery by taking better care of and being kinder to herself.
The game concept was developed as part of my bachelor thesis. You can find more information in the game design document.
PostTraumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a mental disorder that is caused by being exposed to or by experiencing traumatic events. It is especially prevalent amongst survivors of rape – one third to more than a half of survivors develop the disorder. Affected individuals usually show the first symptoms within the first three months following the traumatic event, although full symptom expression may be delayed for months or even years. PTSD can cause a variety of symptoms, for instance intrusive memories, hypervigilance, dissociative amnesia, a persistent negative emotional state, and feelings of estrangement from others. It also affects how memories are processed, impacting their conscious accessibility.