Idea

I’ve always dreamed of creating an original video game. One day, I decided to dive in and started looking for fresh ideas, exploring new mechanics and a theme that would truly resonate with me.

I wanted to create a game that speaks to young people, like myself. Being in my final year of high school, I felt that the theme of lost friendship during that time would be perfect for an emotion-driven game. I found it personally meaningful, as I was someone who had very few friends at school.

From the very beginning, I wanted the gameplay mechanics to directly serve the narrative. My goal was to create an experience that seems simple on the surface, but is rich with meaning.

So I came up with a gameplay concept centered around sorting digital files — a mundane activity, but one that carries emotional weight and storytelling potential in this context.

Throughout the project, I structured my ideas in a Game Design Document, which I continuously expanded as the game took shape, iterating on the mechanics, dialogue, and pacing.

Conception

I then focused on bringing the more technical mechanics to life, such as saving. To do this, I made sure the game data was stored in structured JSON files. This same system is used to determine which dialogues or choices the main character should make, as well as to select the appropriate sprite.

Structure of a JSON file

Art direction

Since the game focuses on themes of youth and nostalgia, and school is a central pillar of that period, I went with an aesthetic inspired by American high schools and old-school diners to enhance the nostalgic vibe.

I decided to visually contrast the past and the present: the past is colorful and lively, while the present is rendered in neutral, natural tones to emphasize the melancholic atmosphere.

I applied the same logic to the character design: I chose different animals for the characters to create a contrast between species. The childhood friend group is made up of animals typically found on farms or in fairy tales, while the characters from the protagonist’s new university are represented by more exotic animals.

Charadesign

Gallery

Example of file found in the game

Logo of the protagonist's new school