OVERVIEW
Say My Name is a text-based self-reflection tool and game that aids players awaiting their first appointment with a therapist.
You can download and play the demo for free:
Screenshot of the project structure in Twine
PROJECT DETAILS
Role: Game Design
Team Size: 1
Platform: Browser Game (HTML)
Tool: Twine
Development: 6 weeks
Genre: Serious Game, Therapy Game
Languages: English, German
MY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Project management
- Research
- Writing
- Content implementation
- Planning, conducting and evaluating playtests
- Documentation
SAY MY NAME - THE PROJECT
Say My Name is a text-based self-reflection tool and game that aids players awaiting their first appointment with a therapist. The game emulates a conversation with a personality fragment that guides the player through the game with psychological information and reflection questions that initiate thought processes the therapist can pick up on. Additionally, the game provides a safe space for players to familiarize themselves with the context and tone of therapy, especially if the players might still feel uncomfortable with expressing their need for professional help. During the game, the player creates a personality line-up based on the OCEAN model, learns about cognitive dissonances and conceptualises an emergency suitcase. Additionally, the player is introduced to mindfulness and other grounding exercises and gets information on how to maintain and improve their mental wellbeing in emergency and non-emergency situations.
You can find more information in the game document.
MENTAL HEALTH IN GERMANY - A PROBLEM STATEMENT
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. It is estimated that 10,1% of all Germans experience a current depressive symptomatology. 18-29-year-old women of lower educational backgrounds are most often affected, the prevalence being 22,4%. Due to many issues surrounding the availability of and access to therapy, as well as the cultural stigmata surrounding mental health issues, only 20% of people with mental disorders seek treatment. In Germany the average waiting period between the first call and the first therapeutic session is 20 weeks. Many patients seem to be repelled by the long waiting times; the longer the waiting period, the fewer people begin therapy. Additionally, lack of treatment and high waiting times increase the risk of chronification, as well as the length and severity of a depressive episode.
Since the decision to seek professional help is usually made when the patient is currently facing a depressive episode, there needs to be some support available to patients during waiting times.