The Elf's Apprentice (PC)
Genre: 2D, couch co-op, puzzle, narrative-driven
Platform: PC
Engine and Tools: Unity, Photoshop
A cooperative puzzle game designed to evoke reflective nostalgia and foster meaningful conversations between generations. Inspired by intergenerational storytelling, the game weaves together puzzles and a narrative that encourages players to share personal memories while collaborating to progress. The Elf's Apprentice is the practical prototype of my dissertation research at Brunel University.
Team: Solo
Duration: 3 months
More about the game:
Gameplay
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Designed for two players, the game requires collaboration through knowledge-sharing and problem-solving.
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Each puzzle is crafted to rely on real-world knowledge possessed by one of the players, ensuring that both must contribute their experiences to progress.
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Topics covered in puzzles include fashion, tools, pop culture, media, technology, and non-digital navigation—each typically more familiar to one generation than the other.
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The narrative setting and character interactions are designed to reflect the player profiles, creating moments of resonance, personal reflection, and shared storytelling.
Design Process & Research
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Developed through an iterative process combining literature reviews, historical research, and game prototype testing.
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Inspired by cooperative games, puzzle mechanics, and nostalgic themes, the game explores how video games can serve as tools for fostering empathy and understanding.
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The research informed both the theoretical and practical aspects of game design, leading to a refined, experience-driven approach.
Impact & Takeaways
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This project serves as an exploration of how games can encourage meaningful intergenerational communication.
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It contributes to academic discussions on nostalgia in game design, highlighting the potential of interactive media to bridge generational gaps.
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Through its unique blend of puzzles, storytelling, and cooperative play, it demonstrates how digital experiences can go beyond entertainment to create deeper, more personal connections.
Skills Used
Game Design
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Puzzle Design – Created intergenerational puzzles requiring collaborative problem-solving.
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Narrative Design – Developed a story that complements player dynamics and fosters shared reflection.
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Mechanics & Systems Design – Balanced cooperative play, ensuring both players contribute meaningfully.
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User Experience (UX) Design – Ensured accessibility and intuitive gameplay for different age groups.
Game Development
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Prototyping – Iterated on game mechanics based on feedback.
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Game Balancing – Adjusted puzzle difficulty to accommodate different player skill sets and technological literacy.
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Scripting – Used C# (Visual Studio) to implement game logic in Unity.
Art & Visual Design
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2D Art & Illustration – Created visual assets, including backgrounds, characters, and UI elements.
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Art Direction – Developed a cohesive visual style that enhances the game’s themes.
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UI/UX Design – Designed an intuitive interface to guide players seamlessly through puzzles.
Game Development
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Prototyping – Iterated on game mechanics based on feedback.
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Game Balancing – Adjusted puzzle difficulty to accommodate different player skill sets and technological literacy.
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Scripting – Used C# (Visual Studio) to implement game logic in Unity.
Research & Analysis
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Academic Research – Conducted literature reviews on nostalgia and intergenerational game design.
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Playtesting & Iteration – Gathered feedback and refined game design through multiple iterations.
Project Management
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Time Management – Balanced research, design, and development within the project timeline.
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Industry Engagement – Connected with professionals in game design and narrative fields to seek feedback, improving the game’s design based on expert insights.
