DreamScape is a captivating journey through the stages of sleep, where players embark on a whimsical adventure through dreamscapes filled with vibrant colors and enchanting environments.
Inspiration
I found out that some people can’t recall their dreams. So what prevents poor dream recaller from remembering their dreams?
As this and other studies have shown there is a small percentage of the population who swear that they never dream. But it is not a matter of poor memory.
DreamScape is a game that provides a relaxing and enjoyable gaming experience for patients who are struggling with sleep-related issues, and promoting their emotional well-being.
Research
Adults and babies alike dream for around two hours per night, even if they don’t remember it.
Stages of sleep
Dreams tend to occur during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep.
Studies have found that participants woken from NREM sleep report dreams more than 50%
Insights
Understanding sleep and dreams can help individuals better manage their sleep and emotional states.
This is crucial for improving quality of life, enhancing self-awareness, and developing self-control.
Project Goals
My game could potentially benefit individuals with REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) in several ways:
1. Therapeutic Engagement: encourage relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional regulation.
2. Cognitive Stimulation: help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly associated with sleep disorders.
Game Diagram
Game Stages
Game Map
Lumina
Lumina is a small, glowing microorganism with a friendly and inviting appearance. It serves as a helpful guide and light source for the brain cell as it navigates the desert.
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Game Characters
Jellyfish
The jellyfish pulsates with a mesmerizing glow, tempting the brain cell to approach. However, if the brain cell touched jellyfishes, brain cell will get injured.
Brain Cell
The brain cell is a lively and adventurous, it serves as the player's avatar throughout the game.
As the player progresses through each dream stage, it helps solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and interact with the dream environment.
Clownfish
The clownfish is struggling to survive in the dry environment.
The brain cell's mission to find water source and save the clownfish drives the gameplay forward, providing a clear objective for the player to accomplish.
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Game Scenes
Toxinia
Toxinia releases toxic gas clouds that obstruct the brain cell's path and cause harm upon contact. It will result in failure and the brain cell will be forced to restart the level.
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Mushrooms
The brain cell must collect all the mature mushrooms to complete the level and progress to the next scene. Collecting mushroom contributes to filling a progress bar.
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Reflection
I started to realize that meaningful solutions don’t always have to be practical products—they can also engage users on emotional and experiential aspects. This project represents the shift of my design thinking.
By designing this game, I learned how games play crucial roles to create emotional resonance for players. Through narrative and interactive environments, players are invited to think about choices, consequences, and the settings they navigate, making complex themes more relatable.Through the game’s fusion of captivating visuals and mental health awareness, Dreamscape represents my exploration of how interactive media can serve as both a source of enjoyment and a tool for healing.