Rubika Supinfogame
Castaway with Michaël Stora
2023 | 2 weeks (3 members)
Lead Designer
Prototyping
Producing
Communication
Context
Game Summary
Genre: Therapeutic, Survival, Adventure
Platform: PC
Game Type: Single-player
Target Audience: Individuals suffering from depression, aged 15-40, fans of survival and adventure games
Game pitch
Castaway is a therapeutic survival adventure designed to aid individuals dealing with depression.
As a player, you are stranded on a mysterious island, accompanied by Hansen, a monster symbolizing depression. Your mission is to gather resources, build shelter, craft tools, and navigate the island’s secrets, all while facing and overcoming your fears.
The team
Mathieu Cabot: Project Vision Holder
Michaël Stora: Client
Yves-Marie Jean-Baptiste: Supervisor
Ulysse Chenut: Game Designer
Sara Brugioli: Game Designer
My role
My Role As the Project Vision Holder, I was responsible for :
Steering the project's direction and making key decisions.
Bridging communication between the client and the team.
Designing core gameplay mechanics and systems.
Collaborating with the team to ensure a cohesive game experience.
Who is our Client ? Michaël Stora
Michaël Stora is a renowned French psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his pioneering work in digital psychology. He co-founded the Observatory of Digital Worlds in Human Sciences and uses video games as therapeutic tools. He has collaborated with major companies like SEGA, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Activision.
Vision
In Castaway, players explore a mysterious island, uncovering secrets and facing a variety of challenging quests. These tasks test their skills and emotions, requiring them to solve puzzles, navigate difficult terrain, and confront creatures. Through these experiences, players confront their fears, build resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves, all while unraveling the island's mysteries.
The Game's Message
"Castaway" is a groundbreaking therapeutic video game that blends survival and adventure with a powerful message. Designed for individuals suffering from depression, the game offers a unique therapeutic experience that resonates with both young and adult players. With a strong narrative and innovative gameplay, "Castaway" aims to make a significant impact on mental health treatment through gaming.
4 core intentions
Therapeutic Intentions
Use the game as a space to alleviate anxiety and sadness
Offer an immersive experience that confronts players with failure and success in a therapeutic context
Active Role of the Therapist
Allow therapists to intervene and guide the player through their therapeutic journey, helping them understand and manage depressive symptoms
Metaphorical Narrative
Illustrate depression through rich, metaphorical storytelling, characters, and environments that evoke deep memories and emotions
Survival Mechanics
Gather resources, craft tools, and build shelter to survive.
Manage hunger, thirst, and health
Dynamic weather and day-night cycle affecting gameplay
