Fill the canvas with ink blots. Draw a mirror axis between the drop and the target. The mirror axis teleports the drop to the symmetric position on the other side of it. Take your time for adjusting the axis and try to hit the target‘s centre. The more accurate you hit, the bigger and more beautiful the blots you create will be. Be careful: If you miss the target your drop gets partly soaked up by the paper until it fades away completely…
Project Date
2017
Team Size
3 people
Ressources
Pottery supplies *
Camera * Unity Engine
Responsibilities
Game Design * Concept * Programming * Vision Keeping
IDEAS & GOALS
- INNOVATIVE MECHANIC
Creating and exploring a new way to play was the main goal. - RELAXING EXPERIENCE
We wanted the player to have a relaxing experience instead of fast pacing or stressful action experience. - INTERDISCIPLINARY PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
The inkblots were created with a pottery technique called mocha diffusion. Each blot is unique.
GUIDELINES AND PHILOSOPHY
When developing mirror.ink, we focused on two main goals.
1. The game should distinguish itself through novel mechanics.
2. The game should promote relaxation and demand cognitive abilities.
Mirror.ink trains skills such as spatial thinking, ability to concentrate and tact. The game invites you to sit back and relax in a world where everything is getting faster and more exciting. Contrary to a general trend in digital games, this game is not about getting as fast and good as possible or driving up the highscore. It is about aiming thoroughly and precisely. The subtle reward system works with aesthetics and the need for harmony. Success is reflected in the form of visual and acoustic feedback – the feeling of punishment when losing does not arise at all.
Mirror.ink won second best game in the age group 21-25 in 2017:
“Instead of „mirror.ink“ the game could have been called „Let yourself be decelerated“. Because nothing else happens, if you get involved with „mirror.ink“. It is a very aesthetic game, which is due to its design. The task is to fill a canvas with inkblots, which have been analogously created by the game developers and then filmed. The ink spots are created by an axis that reflects a drop. The main task is to teleport the drop to the exactly symmetrical position on the other side of the axis with a fingertip and controller feeling. The more precisely and carefully aligned, the larger and more beautiful the ink blots! The game mechanics are based on taking your time and concentrating – not on faster, higher, highscore. This is supported by trance-like acoustics. Good idea and a different kind of fun! For this very successful game the jury gladly awards the 2nd place in the age category 21 to 25 years.”