Trapped: A VR Detective Story Part 2
Gameplay and Narrative Designer
As a Gameplay and Narrative Designer at PBJ Learning Inc., I'm currently immersed in the development of the second installment of their VR game, "TRAPPED 2023: A VR Detective Story." My primary responsibility involves writing the script and documenting the entirety of the second half of the game, where in players assume the role of Angela Powers, the detective tasked with solving the crime. This entails designing puzzles, environments, and dialogues to ensure a cohesive and engaging experience.
Regarding gameplay, there's a significant shift from the first part, where players inhabit the role of the victim, to the second part, where they embody Angela Powers. This transformation brings about a complete change in gameplay dynamics, accompanied by new upgrades such as controller utilization. The overarching goal is to deliver an authentic detective experience while ensuring that puzzles remain simple yet effective, catering to players of all skill levels, including those unfamiliar with video games.
In terms of narrative design, a key focus of the second part is to explore the influence of pop culture on trafficking and the portrayal of women and sex. My aim is to convey this theme subtly, avoiding overt messages while still effectively communicating our points to the player. This involves crafting character dialogues and item descriptions that contribute to the overarching narrative while seamlessly integrating thematic elements into the gameplay experience.