Memory Box

Artist Statement

Memory Box is a very light-hearted short story about learning to accept goodbye. It follows the journey of a group of five who simply enjoy each other’s presence. But as time goes by, each member has chosen to leave to seek something new or simply to take a break. With this story, I aim to convey my approach to farewells. While bidding farewell is undeniably challenging each time, embracing the entire experience rather than perceiving it solely as an ending significantly alleviates the emotional weight.

This piece is also inspired by our “Space Frog” play, which we got to experience in class. The game doesn’t seek to tackle anything too complicated and was executed perfectly in its given genre. Given our prior engagement with more weighty topics in various games, I wish to use this opportunity to turn to something I’m less familiar with and challenge myself with a different genre. The setting, a verdant field, is also from my play Wanderhome, a resting spot. Considering the emotional healing essence I aim to convey, situating the story here proves exceptionally fitting.

Although the interactivity of this piece doesn’t serve as the main mechanics, I intend to emulate a gentle flow by guiding users through each page, enabling players to fully embrace this casually immersive experience. For this piece, I want to explore a different facet of interactive storytelling, where the clicking mechanic can help players choose the pace as they will and shape the overall atmosphere. Beyond merely granting players agency in gameplay, my goal is to facilitate their complete immersion in the emotional essence of the narrative.