Created by Emma Grosu at ECAL, ESC is a game where the protagonist attempts to escape their own reality. Unlike most video games, which offer players an escape into narrative worlds where they wield power, ESC flips this dynamic, exploring themes of freedom and constraint in video games and highlighting the limits of our own existence.
What would happen if a character became aware of their situation, realizing that they are not in control of their movements but are, instead, imprisoned by them?
ESC allowed Emma to explore concepts of immersion such as breaking the fourth wall and mise en abyme. Inspired by works like ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Sword Art Online,’ Emma tried to illustrate how the perception of freedom can be an illusion, both in video games and in the physical world.
The game was developed using Unreal Engine 5 with focus on utilising all the capabilities of the PS5 controller, particularly haptic feedback and the internal gyroscope. In addition, Emma created a dynamic camera system designed to break the fourth wall between the player and the character.
Project Page | Emma Grosu | ECAL — Media & Interaction Design
Tutors: Pauline Saglio, Alain Bellet, Gaël Hugo, Lara Defayès
Assistants : Elodie Anglade, Kylan Luginbühl, Martial Grin, Sébastien Matos
ECAL / University of Art and Design, Lausanne Switzerland
Bachelor Media & Interaction Design
/++
/++
