description - Notes
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in your phone? Disconnected is a Bitsy video game that breaks the barriers of reality by allowing one's soul to enter their mobile device. As they explore popular apps, their soul must find a way out of the phone and back into their physical body. Growing up in the digital era, one might get lost in the world of social media. The experience may be different for everyone, but for me, it doesn't feel as welcoming as before. Although being active on social media has benefits, there are some qualities that could negatively impact an individual’s mental health. For instance, certain online environments may influence comparison and improbable expectations, leading to oppressive feelings and emotions. In Disconnected, users are encouraged to roam around popular apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Every time they collect a blue "item," their ratings (likes, comments, and followers) increase. Will you be able to make it out in time? Try it below now!
Disconnected on a computer
Closeup of opening screen
Exploring the Home Page
Disconnected on a computer
Media Player
Made for Creative Technologies (CTCH) 301: Play
Medium: Bitsy Video Game
Date Made: October 2023
Exhibitions:
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Creative Technologies & Design Showcase, 2024
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Fifth Parallel Gallery: PLAYGROUND, 2025
Disconnected
tools!
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Bitsy
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Photoshop
inspo.exe
During reading week, I was watching various animation movies that made me think about my childhood growing up. Specifically, I watched Disney’s Soul, and everything about the movie is amazing. It explores Joe Gardner’s life, who is a middle school teacher and an aspiring jazz musician. Momentarily, he dies and enters the Great Beyond (or Great Before) as a soul, where he learns about the true meaning of life. With that, I was inspired to create a game that would discuss the implications of social media and the internet. Further, the project is also inspired by Ralph Breaks the Internet because I liked the idea of the player exploring the phone database.
concept to creation.exe
Breakdown of steps:
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Brainstorm possible game ideas
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Finalize storyline
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Build character(s) and game assets
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Integrate game assets into Bitsy
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Testing phase
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Any last minute changes
In the beginning, I drew a storyboard of the room(s) and determined how I want the player to navigate through the game. After deciding to use Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok as the main apps, I was motivated to create similar interfaces once the app is open. Using similar color palettes, I constructed each app that consisted of two rooms as the user’s phone screen.
process - Windows Help
