Homeward is an emotionally immersive scene-shifting RPG designed to provide solace for young adults navigating the complexities of modern urban life. Through a rich narrative and dynamic environment transitions, players embark on a reflective journey that blends nature exploration with emotional discovery, offering a digital retreat from the chaos of city living.
Game Concept, Game Design, Level Design, Narrative Design, UI/UX Design, 3D Modelling, Animation, Motion Design, Producer
DongHui, VFX
Meng, Programmer
Huw, Sound Designer
Arjun, QA Tester
6 Months, 2021
Homeward is an introspective RPG that guides players through a deeply personal narrative, transitioning between different life stages to explore themes of nostalgia, emotional healing, and self-reflection. The game begins in 2021 London, depicting the solitude of returning home after a long day of work. From there, players are transported to a childhood home in Xinjiang in 2000, where warm, familiar environments evoke a sense of comfort and longing. The final stage shifts into a peaceful natural landscape, symbolizing inner tranquility and the journey toward emotional clarity.
By crafting a sense of déjà vu, Homeward reflects the emotional struggles of young adults facing the pressures of urban life and their yearning to reconnect with their core values. As Chakameh (2019) describes, familiarity in spaces and routines creates a sense of grounding, providing a mental and emotional retreat. Inspired by the immersive storytelling of film, Homeward aims to explore how games can evoke similar emotional resonance, using personal and relatable experiences as a bridge between narrative and player engagement. Through a sociological lens, the project delves into the emotional needs of its audience while also examining the psychological and philosophical foundations behind its worldbuilding, aesthetics, and storytelling.
Emotional Exploration Through Nostalgia
The target audience for Homeward consists of young adults experiencing urban isolation, longing for emotional grounding and a sense of belonging. Many face the pressures of modern city life, feeling detached from their past and natural surroundings. The game serves as an emotional retreat, allowing players to revisit comforting memories and explore their inner worlds through interactive storytelling.
Players are drawn to familiar childhood environments, offering a comforting escape from the stresses of adulthood.
The game addresses feelings of disconnection by providing a space where players can process emotions in solitude.
By immersing in natural landscapes, players engage in self-reflection and emotional restoration.
A deeply personal storyline fosters a meaningful player experience, encouraging introspection and connection.
Understanding the core mechanics and narrative flow is essential for crafting an engaging RPG. The Game Design Document (GDD), flowcharts, and storyboards outline the fundamental structure, detailing gameplay mechanics, player progression, and interactive elements. By visualizing user journeys and core gameplay loops, these components ensure a cohesive and immersive experience that aligns with the emotional themes of Homeward.
The Game Design Document (GDD) for Homeward serves as a blueprint, outlining the core mechanics, narrative structure, and visual direction of the game. It details the player journey, scene transitions, and interactive elements that shape the emotional experience. By establishing a structured framework, the GDD ensures consistency across gameplay, storytelling, and design, providing a clear vision for development while maintaining the game’s thematic depth and immersive quality.
To enhance immersion and narrative depth, Homeward employs a series of animated transitions that seamlessly guide players through different emotional landscapes. Each animation serves as a bridge between the game’s key environments, symbolizing the protagonist’s psychological journey. From the bustling urban setting of London to the nostalgic warmth of childhood memories and the tranquility of nature, these sequences help establish mood, reinforce themes of solitude and belonging, and create a dreamlike sense of movement between realities. By leveraging visual metaphors such as shifting daylight, the presence of the moon, and the transition from confined spaces to open landscapes, the animations not only enhance storytelling but also deepen the player’s emotional connection to the game’s core themes.
01.Transition Animation 1
Time Progression Through Lighting: The gradual shift from daylight to nighttime visually represents the passage of time, reinforcing the monotonous routine of urban life.
Environmental Storytelling: Iconic London landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye establish the setting and enhance realism.
02.Transition Animation 2
Realistic Sound Design: Rush-hour ambient sounds create an immersive experience, capturing the chaos of city commuting.
Contextual Visual Details: Posters and COVID-related signage set the time period, reinforcing realism and nostalgia.
London (2021)
London architectural features have a strong churchy atmosphere, giving a sense of solemnity, mystery and seriousness. In terms of architectural style they are Gothic, Baroque and red brick classical buildings. Therefore the use of Tower Bridge and Big Ben on the Thames were used for a more atmospheric and distinctive architecture.
Hometown (2000)
This scene transports players to a childhood memory, set in a warm and familiar neighborhood. The low-rise residential buildings with narrow alleyways evoke a sense of close-knit community living. Interior design elements, inspired by real-life references, reflect the transitional period in Chinese home aesthetics—combination sofas, wooden cabinets, and privacy-focused layouts.
The Forest
Representing a psychological retreat, this final scene symbolizes a return to inner peace. The forest environment is designed with an emphasis on light, particularly fireflies, to continue the visual theme of illumination from earlier urban scenes. The dynamic interaction with natural elements fosters a meditative and restorative experience, providing a contrast to the structured urban settings.
