Behind the Seas

Behind the Seas is an interactive visual novel about home and immigration, inspired by true stories.

Reera is living a life she loves in a country not similar to so many others with its unique beauties and also full of difficulties. Finally, seeking a normal life, Reera decides to immigrate and leaves everything she loves behind. But can she find a happy life when her heart is left behind? When she no longer has a "Home"?

The whole story of Behind the Seas happens in 7 chapters and the build presented is a vertical slice, one mini-game/story from each chapter of the game, done as my master thesis project. 

Story summary:

• I/ Reera: Introduction to Reeras life in her country, how it's different and similar to the rest of the world.
• II/ Decision: The annoying incidents that lead her to decide to immigrate.
• III/ Leaving: Starting immigration process, saying goodbye to home and leaving everything behind.
• IV/ Honeymoon: The excitements of beginning a new life.
• V/ Frustration: Homesickness, loneliness, missing, drowning in depression. 
• VI/ adjustment: Adapting to the new lifestyle, finding her "things -places & people" in the city, accepting the situation.
• VIII/ visit: Traveling back home, it doesn't feel like home anymore… where is home?

Narrative, design, art and development by Anahid Attaran. 

Code by Ioannis Koutsoukidis.

Trailer's Music by Musician/Artist: Marjan Farsad - Khooneye Ma (Our Home)

If you have any thoughts on the prototype, I'll be glad to hear them!