Huayue Zhang
Be a Dog: Life in Shimmer City
Project Type: 2D Game
Tags: Life Sim, Multiple Endings, Narrative
Platform: PC
Duration: September.2023
Team Size: 2 members
Role: Game Designer – System/ Numerical planning/ Story, UI Design, Programmer
Main Tools: Unity, Photoshop
External Resources：Some marked assets created by Midjourney
This is a life simulation game where players take on the role of a dog living in the vibrant Shimmer City. The game places a strong emphasis on storytelling, with the narrative being driven by a combination of Numerical System and randomness. Players can achieve a wide range of ends, offering a fresh perspective on the world.
The Birth of Shimmer City
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Life simulation games often lead players into a situation of "grinding for values" because typically, higher values represent more advanced outcomes.
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People become excessively invested in the act of "playing another person," aiming to "become a successful person," "be the hero who saves the world," or "become a princess." These aspirations become the ultimate pursuit for players, and endings like "ordinary worker" leave them greatly disappointed.
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In the pursuit of glamorous outcomes, players gradually lose touch with the true essence of "simulation," and the narrative aspect of the game disappears.
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What happens when the player's perspective shifts to that of a dog? Because players are accustomed to living as ordinary humans in the real world, they become tired of the ordinary endings in games. However, even the life of an ordinary dog is an experience people have not encountered before.
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When the perspective becomes novel, the player's goal is no longer singularly focused on raising values but rather on experiencing different events under various conditions.
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When players no longer strive for a few “advanced" endings, our narrative space becomes more expansive.
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The NPCs in Shimmer City have colorful stories, and the outcomes triggered by players with different identities and abilities will vary. After multiple playthroughs, experiencing various roles, players can witness the full spectrum of story possibilities.
How to rebirth as a dog?
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Please read the guidelines and fill out the following table.
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We have designed the character information generation process to resemble the player reading the official guide, signing a formal agreement, thereby creating an unexpected 'seriousness' and infusing the process with humor.
About to be born in Shimmer City!
Engage in various activities in Shimmer City ~
- ​Scene <At Home>
- Map
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​Interact with the character
- ​Scene <Golden Pavilion District>
Special Interaction -Sniff
Simulating a careful sniffing process through rhythmic clicking actions, thereby obtaining hidden information from the outside world.
After becoming a puppy, your world lacks vibrant colors. Bring memories back to life through your keen sense of smell!
- Collectible scent clues
Narrative Design
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One of the examples - Selene’s Echoes in the Black Box
Name: Lan
Gender: Female
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Renowned stage actor, chose to retire at the peak of her glory.
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Progressive in thinking, passionate about theater and the arts.
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Has a son.
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Currently living alone, embracing solitude with a generous spirit. In her small abode, she preserves and continually creates works that embody both art and memories.
Design Framework Summary
Numerical System
The numerical system is the core of this game, intricately connected with other systems, propelling the triggering of various plots and events, and influencing the outcome of the game.
