[Project 4 –Interactive Fiction (IF)] The Future We Deserve: Checkpoint 2, Plan Set

Project 4: Interactive Fiction - The Future We Deserve

Title: SeaYouLater

Premise

It is year 2080 and the Earth is invaded by sea aliens! But - the aliens do not intend to harm the humans...yet. The sea aliens have been living on massive invisible ships and they are all here together for one reason: to feed off of one thing they lack and need: human emotions. The sea aliens have a very advanced technology but they realized human emotion and memories allow them to prosper even more as living beings of space. Their technology is so advanced, it creates an illusion of magical powers. They have a memory bank where they keep all the human memories and experiences. Once they do collect all the memories from humans, they are to leave Earth which will leave humans in complete chaos. How do they acquire these memories? They have a select force, MEMORY unit where they send out highly trained sea creatures out on missions - in disguise of humans in different Earth professions of 2080.

You (the player) is a human living on Earth. You’ve been noticing that you haven’t been feeling your best self lately and you can’t figure out why. You are a lead VR animator for Global

Broadcasting Company but have been noticing that the industry has been moving towards more provocative content which you are not fully into. You meet Puella(actually a MEMORY unit sea alien), a new intern to work with in the newly assigned project that is to be aired globally on Earth Day. You really like Puella because she doesn’t appreciate the provocative content either and she’s more interested in how humans feel and connect.

The game is to discuss the current human condition of placing first hand importance on information, data, and financial success over human to human connection. The memory being “wiped” by sea creatures is a metaphor for humans being blind to the fact that it’s happening to them on a day to day basis. The game foresees what the world would look like if humans continue to value informational data over the core reason of human existence. By having the players play the game as the only character aware of this condition, I hope to bring new awareness of the importance of not losing touch of one’s own emotions and feelings. Emotions are powerful and valuable because it allows us make real connections with other humans in which is the actual key for humankind to prosper together. There’s a misconception that being too emotional is a sign of weakness. But that is not true. We must educate ourselves in better communicating how we feel and how that can have a positive impact on humanity.

There are two possible endings to this game. The player either chooses to stay with Puella and leave the human condition be OR the player gives up being with Puella which leads to Sea Aliens leaving the Earth. In order to recover from the Sea Aliens, the UN demands classes regarding emotional educational classes/sessions/check-ins in our daily lives. Naturally, people stopped feeling the need for provocative entertainment or news(or it at least declined).

Object List

Player has been working as VR Animator and Global Broadcast company. S/he lives alone and has a best friend named, Rocco. Player is very close with his mom and sister. Player is very thoughtful and creative so the players(you) can get a good look at his thought processes throughout the game. Starts developing heavy feelings towards Puella which later on effects his/her decision making at the end.

Puella is an attractive female who just started as a VR Animation intern for the player at GBC. However, she is actually a Sea Alien in disguise! She is not only a part of the MEMORY unit but also one of the leading members. Though she's been successful in her past missions in retrieving human memories and feelings, it feels different with the player. Puella actually wants the best for the player.

Rocco is the player's quirky, smart, eccentric best friend. They've been friends since elementary school. He is currently unemployed by choice. Rocco used to work for globally known research centers until one day he realized something just didn't feel right. A person who is driven my feelings, Rocco decided to quit his job and explore and continue studies of his own. He has been much more crazy but happy since. He's recently found out about Sea Aliens in which he keeps telling the player about throughout the game.

The lead of Visual Production team of GBC. He has been working for the company for 10 years now. He started from the very bottom and worked very hard to get to where he is today. Therefore, Boss is very serious about his job and will do anything to maintain his position in the company. He's recently been told to submit content for Earth Day. He has stopped caring about what the product is about as long as he keeps his job and makes him money. And yes, Boss is his name.

Scene List

Player wakes up feeling discombobulated
Player can’t remember what s/he likes to drink for breakfast
Rocco tells player about sea aliens residing on Earth with humans
Player arrives to work
Player is assigned lead VR animation artist for content that’ll be aired globally on Earth day
Player is introduced to new intern, Puella
Player discusses concerns about the provocative content with Puella
Player and Puella go to the West Beach and swim
Player tries to disagree with Boss about the content
Player loses position in the project (or fired)
Player and Puella go to West Spa
Puella shows allergic reaction and her body shows gills
In shock, Player drops off Puella and rushes over to Rocco’s place to learn more about Sea Aliens
Realizes Puella is a Sea Alien and Player is conflicted to either:
Tell the world about the Sea Aliens on Earth and what they’ve been doing (broadcast - everyone must go under __ water test)
UN makes law to bring attention to and strictly educate humans on emotions and feelings (since they are starting from scratch)
Let the world how it has been and stay with Puella (the world was going to be fucked anyway! mindset)
People continue to live in dissonance but Player is happy because s/he’s with Puella