DYLIA: A Study on Non-verbal Storytelling in Independent Games
The research topic “Non-verbal storytelling” refers to a video game with no dialogue or text, driven solely by visuals, sound, and other non-verbal forms, allowing players to feel and empathize with the game’s inherent emotions. Since indie developers are often afforded greater creative latitude to experiment with unconventional game styles, non-verbal storytelling, as a subtle and stylized form of expression, resonates particularly well with the aesthetic sensibilities of independent games.
Apart from a few art assets and background music, I independently completed the game’s programming, art design, music and sound effects, as well as the script setting.
Inspired by Journey and GRIS, through the design of an indie game prototype DYLIA, the research explores how to apply non-verbal narrative methods to the development of indie games within the constraints of budget, time, and team size, which aims to provide insights for indie game developers.
DYLIA Concept PV
Desolation. Yearning. Leaving. Irritation. All of these will pass.
The motivation for creating DYLIA stemmed from a desire to craft a story exploring childhood trauma, growth, and reconciliation. While language can convey information in an abstract and efficient way, silence can sometimes be more direct and impactful on such topics. Research has found that emotional abuse and neglect are the core of children’s psychological abuse, even without verbal abuse.
This is a journey of a mysterious girl and a mysterious duck. As the game progresses, you will learn their true identities and the truth of the world.
