Mental Descend

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Study program: Creative Computing
Lecture: MediaLab Digital Game Production 2
Lecturer(s): Alexander Grenus
Team leader: Leonard Grill
Team members:

Manuel Prammer (cc221002)
Lukas Gruber (cc221010)
Susanne Schiphorst (cc221018)
Leonard Grill (cc221027)
Fridolin Hurra (cc221047)

Short description: “Outer Wilds” gameplay meets “animal crossing” aesthetics

Project description:

Mental Descend is an immersive 3D game centered around the theme of mental health, designed to be both a journey and gameplay experience. At its core, the game invites players to navigate a surreal world where the challenges they face are not just enemies, but symbolic manifestations of real-world mental health struggles—such as anxiety, paranoia, and addiction. Foes represent specific aspects of these conditions, from overwhelming dread to feelings of being followed, and must be confronted in thoughtful ways. Players progress through the game by engaging in environmental and item interactions, which serve as ankors for recovery strategies. Exploration is not just a mechanic, but a vital tool for discovery, growth, and healing. You begin the journey waking up in a small, dimly lit house, shrouded in a thick, almost suffocating fog that symbolizes confusion and stagnation. As players venture further into the world, the fog begins to lift, gradually unveiling more color, clarity.