Teddie & I

Project role: Gameplay Designer

Teddie & I is a 2.5D puzzle platformer that uses an AI companion to navigate a nightmarish world full of monsters created by a child's inner demons. This game subtly tackles difficult themes of child abuse and PTSD through environmental storytelling and conversations between Erin, the boy, and Teddie, the bear. Throughout the game, Teddie helps Erin by trying to keep his spirits up with lighthearted and encouraging dialogue. This relationship dynamic is punctuated by the player's ability to use Teddie to manipulate the environment to protect Erin.

As a gameplay designer, I created paper sketches of levels and translated them to blockouts in Unreal Engine 4. My designs were informed by the need to make the special relationship between Erin and Teddie shine through the game mechanics and level progression.

Initial Sketch

Level Blockout

Environment Design

Initial Sketch

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