Special Day

special day / 2016

an original game combining precision challenges and storytelling to turn a birthday gift into a marriage proposal.

the mission

I created a game to accompany the laptop I gave my girlfriend for her birthday. the challenge was to lead the experience toward a marriage proposal without revealing the surprise too soon.

how to play

inspired by angry birds’ launching mechanics, players hit hearts before time runs out. three levels increase the difficulty and lead from a precision challenge to a narrative ending.

each level brings the surprise closer.

from a precision challenge to the next chapter.

the setting of our first date.

precision, obstacles, and hearts.

new obstacles increase the difficulty.

behind the play

after three levels, I replaced launching with a walk. letters in mailboxes along the street reveal declarations of love, leading to the castle and the proposal.

the change of pace makes room for reading and turns the proposal into the final reward.

when play becomes a declaration of love.

the pace slows to make room for the story.

the walk and soundtrack signal a change of pace.

letters add depth to the story.

the proposal completes the experience.

what this experience taught me

I led the project from design to programming, connecting mechanics, interface, and narrative. it shows how game pacing can prepare a reveal and give meaning to a reward.

from idea to game

ready for another universe?