Elapse
Mentor: Kevin Rutherford
Elapse is a stylistic game design document (also known as a video game bible) which
provides a comprehensive overview of the world, characters, plot, mechanics, items, and maps of
an original game idea. Through assessing current representations of time-driven narratives in
video games, studying academic literature on game design and narrative, and interviewing
industry professionals, Elapse introduces innovative mechanics concerning time in such a way
that maximizes the medium of video games and its potential to endow shared authorship with its
players. Elapse’s purpose is to inspire reflection in players about their relationship with time and
its effects on their lives, with the overall thematic question of: how should we live when life is
fleeting? While my writing revolves around this question, my hope is never to find a straight
answer. Instead, I aim to uncover the human experience and inspire curiosity around the subconscious perceptions of time and interpersonal relationships.
