Hedge Hug
Gameplay Designer, Narrative Designer
Hedge Hug is a 2D narrative-driven single-player adventure game that explores low self-esteem and social anxiety. The game tells the story of a caring and sensitive hedgehog, Emma, who is a ceramic artist struggling to love and trust herself. While experiencing Emma's daily struggles, players will help Emma to raise her self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, step by step.
Hedge Hug was featured at the Games, Learning, and Society Conference in 2022.
At a Glance
- For PC and Mac, developed in Unity
- ~15 team members
- Made as an MFA thesis project at USC
As Gameplay Designer, my role included:
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Researching systems of cognitive reframing from cognitive behavioral therapy
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Translating the real world system of cognitive distortions and cognitive reframing into a gameplay system
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Paper prototyping an "anxiety system" where the player must manage the main character's perception of others and herself
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Iterating on the anxiety system based on playtest feedback
As Narrative Designer, my role included:
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Updating the game's core arc to highlight mental health themes of recovery and resilience
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Collaborating with the director to balance personal experience and widespread appeal within the narrative
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Researching and incorporating mental health concepts into the narrative to authentically depict social anxiety
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Updating the game macro with additional detail on sequences after iteration