The Design Intent:

Nested Memories was created with the intention of telling a deeply personal story about growth, love, and the importance of staying true to oneself. At its core, the game is about Elara’s journey of self-discovery, shaped by the memories of her past and the love she shares with her adoptive father, Kuno. Every choice the player makes has a meaningful impact, not just on the direction of the story but on the way Elara develops emotionally. Through these choices, players help Elara come to terms with her past, uncovering moments that push her forward instead of holding her back. The aim is to create an experience where players feel personally connected to the characters, making decisions that affect their bond and Elara’s growth. In the end, Nested Memories is about healing, learning to embrace the past, and finding the strength to move forward.

Reflection/Process:

Creating Nested Memories has been an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. From the very beginning, the goal was to craft a story that felt personal and emotional, allowing players to connect with the characters on a deeper level. It was essential to me that the choices in the game weren't just narrative branches but reflections of the emotional growth Elara undergoes throughout her journey.

The design process for the game was also integral to supporting that emotional depth. I wanted the art and environment to reflect Elara's internal struggles while also celebrating the beauty of her relationships. Every scene, item, and character was designed with care to evoke the right atmosphere, whether it’s a moment of joy or a moment of reflection. The interactive elements – like the choices the player makes – were carefully mapped out to provide players with the opportunity to shape Elara’s path while staying true to her character.

The most challenging aspect of the process was balancing storytelling with gameplay. I wanted to ensure that each decision felt meaningful and had a real impact, without overwhelming the player with too many options. This required a lot of thoughtful consideration about how to structure the narrative and ensure that Elara’s story progressed in a way that felt organic, with every choice leading her to an emotional realization or transformation.