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Missed Link: Echoes of the Past

Missed Link:
Echoes of the Past

All arts and design by Joy Lim

Game Design and Prototype 

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Reasons for Creating

This game project is an ambitious and imaginative expansion of the narrative explored in my animation film, "Missed Link." It takes players on an immersive journey that extends the original storyline, offering an opportunity to become an integral part of the Batu tribe's new generation. The essence of this concept is deeply rooted in my personal experiences, specifically my life as a Malaysian who has ventured far from my homeland since childhood. Living in various countries has invariably cast a stark light on the notion of a "missed link" or "disconnection" between my cultural heritage and the life I have led abroad.
This profound theme is not unique to me; it resonates with countless individuals who have left their homes, whether for educational or career opportunities. These global citizens often find themselves navigating a cultural no-man's land, their roots cast adrift. This game concept is a vessel to explore and express these emotions, allowing players to embody a character who, like me and so many others, chooses to return to their tribal origins to seek reconnection. Through the eyes of the main character, players embark on a poignant journey of self-discovery, cultural reawakening, and transformation.
Furthermore, the concept delves into a contemporary conundrum where many are lured away from their traditional lifestyles and rural communities by the allure of modern, developed cities. As Batu people migrate to the bustling and advanced city of Lhunpo, this parallel to the real world where traditions fade away in the wake of digitization is a poignant reflection of a global trend. Just as cultures around the world grapple with the inexorable march of progress, the Batu people must navigate the tension between tradition and modernity.

Reasons for Creating

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Inspiration

Inspiration

The inspiration for this game are various culture. Tibetan, Malaysian, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese influences have shaped the world-building and character development, creating a diverse, multicultural universe that immerses players in the beauty of these traditions.
To craft the game's visual and narrative landscape, I embarked on extensive research into a plethora of stunning global landscapes. The result is a world that fuses breathtaking natural wonders with a deep sense of cultural authenticity. Additionally, I delved into the wealth of unique and fascinating experiences shared by individuals online. These real-life stories and encounters have been incorporated into the game's character interactions, enriching the authenticity of the player's journey.
The game prototype drew invaluable lessons from titles like "Story of Seasons," "Zelda," and "Animal Crossing." By dissecting the mechanics and dynamics of these beloved games, I gained insights into crafting a gaming experience that empowers players with the freedom to shape their own destinies. Just as every individual's real-life experiences are distinct, the game offers a personalized adventure, ensuring that no two players will have the same story to tell. The fusion of these elements, guided by a strong sense of cultural depth, creates an expansive and profound gaming experience that transcends the confines of a mere digital realm.

Design Prototype

The foundation of the game's design philosophy is rooted in the concept of stark contrasts and the opportunity for players to experience the intricate interplay between these differences. At its core, the game showcases the tension between two worlds: the Batu tribe, a living embodiment of tradition and culture, and the bustling city of Lhunpa, a symbol of modernity and development. This juxtaposition serves as the backdrop for the player's journey, highlighting the choice between embracing their cultural roots or becoming assimilated into the fast-paced urban lifestyle. The design aims to explore the nuances of this decision, evoking emotions and providing players with a profound insight into the consequences of such choices.
One of the central aspects of the game's design is the cultural richness woven into its fabric. The Batu tribe and its traditions serve as the touchstone for this exploration. The intricacies of Batu life, from their customs and rituals to their deep connection with nature, are meticulously crafted to offer players an authentic glimpse into this unique culture. By immersing players in the world of the Batu, the game achieves its goal of fostering a connection between the player and their in-game surroundings.
To enhance this experience, the game introduces five distinct creature tribes, each safeguarding their spell statues. These tribes reside in markedly different biomes, adding an extra layer of diversity to the game's world. Each tribe has its unique traditions, customs, and, of course, the creatures who protect the spell statues. These creatures embody their respective environments, underscoring the profound connection between nature and culture. Through these diverse tribes, players can appreciate the manifold ways in which tradition and nature intertwine.
The game's resource management system adds an interactive dimension to the player's journey. By collecting items from the environment, players can craft an array of foods and trade them with the creature tribes. This trading mechanic not only enhances gameplay but also underscores the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability in different cultures. This is another subtle way in which the game seeks to draw players into the Batu tribe's way of life and foster cultural understanding.
Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects of the game design is the friendship system. This system allows players to build connections with NPCs, mirroring the real-world experience of forming relationships. The NPCs' responses and dialogues evolve as the player's friendship deepens. This multi-tiered friendship system brings the virtual world to life, providing players with a tangible sense of social interaction.
Real-time progression adds another layer of depth to the game's design. As time passes in the game world, mirroring the real world, players experience a heightened sense of realism. The passage of time affects not only gameplay but also the interactions with NPCs and the overall narrative. It creates a dynamic, living world that evolves in tandem with the player's journey.
In summary, the game's design philosophy rests upon the careful juxtaposition of contrasting elements, the celebration of cultural richness, and the invitation to players to engage with and immerse themselves in the unique Batu way of life. It fosters not only a rich understanding of culture and tradition but also the opportunity for players to reflect on their own choices and the impacts these choices may have on their lives and identities.

Design Prototype

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In the world of "Missed Link," the Batu tribe has long upheld traditions and maintained a balance between humanity and nature. Over time, these traditions faded as the younger generation left for the bustling city of Lhunpa. The player, a representative of the new generation, returns to the tribe, seeking to revive the fading culture.
The player's quest is to restore the tribe's traditions, rekindle the cultural heritage, and reclaim the connection to the natural order. As they navigate this world, interact with the guardians, and engage with five creature tribes, they have the chance to rediscover and renew the fading traditions. The game invites players to reflect on cultural preservation, diversity, and the impact of choices on self-discovery.

Game BG

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The target player for this game concept is someone who seeks for an open, immersive world brimming with exploration, puzzle-solving, and meaningful interactions with in-game characters. Its designed to show the sensation of cultural discovery, paralleling the player's journey to learn new cultures with their exploration of various species' tribe traditions. The game appeals to those who appreciate lush, detailed environments inspired by the beauty of the natural world and various cultural influences. Additionally, the game's focus on character relationships which players can develop and experience unique virtual friendships that akin to real-life with the NPCs.
In summary, the game is created for players who desire a blend of adventure, freedom, cultural, and emotional connections within a beautifully crafted gaming experience.

Target Player

Target Player

I created a font with Oriental influences, meticulously organizing it within the confines of the Alphabet. The design process began organically, freestyling without a specific plan, as I aimed to cover every corner of the paper. Subsequently, I carefully reviewed and refined each design, cleaning up lines for clarity. Aligning characters with visual elements and associations, I then methodically assigned and organized them within the Alphabet list based on the most fitting matches.

Scene from Animation Film, Missed Link

In shaping the typography for the world-building, the intricate beauty and symbolic depth of Chinese hieroglyphs provided a wellspring of inspiration. Each character became a canvas upon which the narrative of Batu's cultural heritage unfolded. Carefully crafted strokes, deliberate curves, and thoughtful connections between elements were not just linguistic components but brushstrokes that painted the vibrant spirit of the Batu tribe.

Drawing from the grace inherent in Chinese calligraphy, the typography emerged as a visual manifestation of the rich traditions embedded in Batu's cultural tapestry. The characters not only serve as a means of communication but also carry the weight of history and tradition. Each symbol is a deliberate choice, echoing the diverse cultural influences interwoven within the game's storyline.

The typography becomes a living testament to the elegance and grace of Batu's cultural identity, a visual language that transcends mere words. It adds a layer of authenticity, inviting players to delve deeper into the narrative and immerse themselves in the intricate details of the Batu tribe's world.

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In the nascent stages of environment development, glimpses of the rich and breathtaking scenes are beginning to emerge. Drawing inspiration from both render tests and scenes from the "Missed Link" Animation, the vision for the game's environment is gradually taking shape. A distinctive and robust cartoon style is being crafted for the architecture, intricately tailored to complement the unique characters that inhabit this world. Striking a balance, the natural elements within the environment retain a realistic allure, aimed at enhancing the immersive experience for the audience. As this dynamic world unfolds, the goal is to captivate players with wonder, weaving a tapestry of vivid landscapes that invite exploration and evoke a sense of awe. The ongoing development promises a visually stunning and harmonious fusion of artistry and imagination.

Render scene of Batu's The House of Guardian

Render scene of personal work ‘Baltimore in Distance’, example for the Lhunpa City

Screenshots from the animation film Missed Link

Render scene of the Spell Status

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