Aftertrash is a Serious Game prototype developed in the context of my bachelor’s degree.
Role
Game Design
Game Development
2D & 3D Design
Genre
Serious Game
Tools
Photoshop, Analog Art, Blender
Team Size: 1
Duration
2015
3 months
The prototype explores themes of environmental degradation, resilience, and the potential for change, presenting a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
This visual prototype is a serious game concept set in a dystopian world devastated by human-made waste. In this narrative, the oceans are entirely covered by trash, transforming the planet into an uninhabitable wasteland. The protagonist, an evolved human adapted to underwater life, embarks on a journey to seek light—a symbol of hope and renewal.
I aim to highlight the impact of unsustainable practices and the consequences of human actions on the planet through engaging and thought-provoking storytelling. My goal is to develop a narrative that resonates emotionally, intertwining themes of hope, renewal, and the search for solutions.
I want to connect players to the overarching message of sustainability and inspire meaningful reflection on real-world issues.
I had to ensure the visual design effectively communicated the dystopian theme and sustainability message, all while maintaining coherence and detail within the constraints of the prototype. It was crucial to balance the visual richness and emotional depth of the world with the limitations of the format, ensuring that every design choice reinforced the narrative and thematic elements of the project.
By understanding how pollution, waste, and environmental neglect affect ecosystems and life, I can better inform the narrative and visual design. This research guided how I represented the overall setting, ensuring that each element in the game resonates with real-world environmental concerns.
I meticulously designed the dystopian setting, detailing its societal structures, environmental challenges, and the events that shaped its current state. By weaving a compelling lore, I highlighted unsustainable practices and juxtaposed them with sustainability themes to underscore the game’s core message.
I crafted a central narrative arc that explored themes of resilience, community, and the consequences of human actions. This story not only engaged players emotionally but also inspired meaningful reflection on real-world sustainability issues.
I developed both 2D and 3D assets for the prototype, taking a hands-on approach to explore various visual styles and color schemes.
Many of the 2D visuals informed the 3D work as a kind of concept art. This process involved experimenting with palettes and designs to ensure the assets aligned with the project’s themes and created a cohesive aesthetic. By iterating on these elements, I ensured the visuals supported the narrative and gameplay while delivering an engaging and immersive experience.
