Course Name
Design Tech. 3: Game Design & Dev.
Students
Juniors, Media & Comm. Design
Juniors, Visual Comm. Design + AI
Teachers
Aaron Leo, Meng Wang (D&I, Tongji Univ.)
Partner
Social Value Research Institute of Tencent Interactive Entertainment
Mentors from the Game Industry
Qiaoling Song, Miao Li et al.
Course Name
Design Tech 3: Game Design & Dev.
Students
Juniors, Media & Comm. Design, Visual Comm. Design + Al
Teachers
Aaron Leo, Meng Wang
Partner
Social Value Research Institute of Tencent Interactive Entertainment
Mentors from the Game industry
Qiaoling Song, Miao Li et al.
Course Name: Design Tech. 3: Game Design & Dev.
Students: Juniors, Media & Comm. Design, Visual Comm. Design + Al
Teachers: Aaron Leo, Meng Wang (D&l, Tongji Univ.)
Partner: Social Value Research Institute of Tencent Interactive Entertainment
Mentors from the Game industry: Qiaoling Song, Miao Li et al.
The course “Design Technology 3: Digital Game Design and Development,” jointly taught by Aaron Leo and Meng Wang, is a core course offered by the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University for third-year students majoring in Media and Communication Design and Visual Communication + AI. This course has successfully been selected as a First-Class Undergraduate Course in Shanghai and won the First Prize at the Shanghai Teaching Innovation Competition. The course covers multiple aspects, including the history of game development, design theory, and development technologies. The final requirement is for students, in groups of about six, to complete the full design and development of an original indie game.
This year, the course has established an in-depth collaboration with the Tencent Interactive Entertainment Social Value Research Center, with the theme “Chinese Classical Architecture and Famous Landmarks,” guiding students through the entire creative process from concept to prototype development. The course has also invited industry experts, including Song Qiaoling from the Tencent Interactive Entertainment Social Value Exploration Center, to provide students with cutting-edge industry insights and professional guidance. Through the joint efforts of the faculty and students, more than ten outstanding game works have been presented, each combining creativity, entertainment, and artistic value. We sincerely invite you to appreciate these works.
01.Whispers of Ancient Dreams
Yulin Caves Digital Preservation Team / Yirui Zhang, Junjie Pan, Jiajie Chen, Yutong Chen, Leiying Su, Yufei Song, Xuefa Han
Overview
Whispers of Ancient Dreams is a VR first-person action-adventure game set against the backdrop of the Yulin Grottoes, a sacred Buddhist art site in Northwestern China. The story unfolds within the ancient Yulin Grottoes, a cave complex that blends Han and Tang architectural styles with Buddhist culture. Ominous and dark energy fills the caves due to the invasion of malevolent spirits, and the auspicious mythical creatures in the murals have been corrupted by demons. Players will assume the role of an exorcist, entrusted by the Dunhuang Guardians, wielding traditional weapons and ritual tools to expel the evil spirits, restore the damaged cultural treasures, and revive the magnificent pure land of the Buddhist realm in the intertwining of the virtual and real world of the cave’s secret domain.
Gameplay
The core objective of the player is to eliminate the malevolent spirits that have taken over the Yulin Grottoes. The enemy designs are inspired by the ghostly figures in Dunhuang art. Players can realistically simulate melee weapon swings and blocks using VR controllers, experiencing the vibration feedback of sword and blade collisions. For ranged attacks, traditional archery mechanics are employed; players must physically draw the bow and aim with their body movements. Once the right moment is pinpointed, they can unleash continuous shots to deal significant damage to enemies. The terrain of the Yulin Grottoes is intricate and complex, and players need to navigate by following system prompts. They must also dodge enemy attacks at the right moments to progress deeper into the caves, uncover the truth behind the resurrection of the evil spirits, and ultimately restore the mural fragments. Vertical movement between floors is also required. The archway, marking the start and end of each level, clearly defines the conditions for completing the stage.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
02.The Crossing
Miqi Meow Meow Woo / Yaqi Yang, Siqi Peng, Yuyu Wang, Junyue Huang, Tian Qi
Overview
The Crossing is a 3D platform puzzle-action game based on the architectural culture of the Diaojiaolou (stilted buildings) in Xiangxi. The game draws inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Xiangxi region, including the Diaojiaolou and the local custom of “ghost herding.” Players will take on the role of the protagonist, Xiao Di, from Xiangxi, and through mastering the art of controlling spirits, they will guide the souls back to their homeland, fulfilling their final wishes.
Gameplay
In the game, the player Xiao Di will sequentially encounter A Sang and two other spirits, completing the main quests by mastering the art of controlling the spirits, collaborating with them to solve puzzles, and guiding their souls back to their homeland; as well as side quests to piece together A Sang’s complete wishes from his life and uncover the truth behind his unexpected death after leaving his hometown. The game follows A Sang’s life journey, dividing the storyline into five chapters: the first two chapters serve as a tutorial for players to familiarize themselves with the controls; the middle three chapters represent key stages in A Sang’s life, symbolizing his childhood village life, his aspiration to study medicine, and his journey to become a village doctor who cures the sick. The core gameplay revolves around using the Soul Bell to drive spirits, combining this with environmental puzzles and obstacles to advance. In addition to this, there are two major core mechanics: First, the Spirit Synchronization Mechanism. Players use a special Soul Bell to control the spirits, with each spirit corresponding to a bell on the bell set, allowing independent control. The synchronization of the spirits is reflected in their movement and interaction with objects, although their actions are limited. Second, the Line of Sight Avoidance Mechanism: players must avoid having the spirits detected by the villagers. When a villager notices a spirit, a warning bar gradually fills above the villager’s head. When the spirit moves out of the villager’s sight, the warning bar decreases. If the warning bar fills completely, the game ends in failure.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
03.Echoes of the Leaning Tower
TOMEGGS2.0 / Yun Chen, Xia Hua, Baoyi Zhang, Mingxuan Zhu, Yurui Zhao, Yingrui Zhu
Overview
Echoes of the Leaning Tower is a platforming puzzle game. The game is inspired by the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in Shanxi Province. Players will take on the role of Zhang Hong, a character connected to the pagoda, exploring the ancient tower and the surrounding dilapidated village to uncover the truth.
Gameplay
The core mechanic of the game is the tilt. By holding down the spacebar, the world will tilt within a cyclic pattern. If the spacebar is not released, time will freeze, allowing players to take the opportunity to observe their surroundings. Once the spacebar is released, the tilt resets, and players can use this time to solve puzzles. As the player’s abilities level up, they will gain the power to tilt the world by 10, 20, and 30 degrees. To support this mechanic, we have designed several basic objects in the environment: wooden blocks that can be moved at 10, 20, and 30-degree tilts, as well as wooden planks with chains and ropes. The basic levels of the game are constructed using these foundational elements.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
04.The Drinking from the Flowing Stream
Disney Princess / Han Wu, Yanhui Ma, Zixin Ye, Yangfan Tian, Ziqi Li, Xinyue Zhou
Overview
The Drinking from the Flowing Stream is a classical-style 3D puzzle game set in an alternate historical period in Shaoxing’s Lanting. The story revolves around Wang Xizhi’s renowned cursive script Lantingji Xu. Players control two characters: Xiao Xi, the young daughter of the Lan family living in Lanting, and one of the family’s domesticated geese. Using different perspectives and skills, players will solve puzzles, analyze clues, and ultimately retrieve the Lantingji Xu, hidden on the roof of the Liushang Pavilion, to complete the game.
Gameplay
In the game, players will travel through the iconic buildings of Lanting, including the Lanting Stele Pavilion, Mo Hua Pavilion, Imperial Stele Pavilion, and Liushang Pavilion, overcoming three challenges to retrieve the Lantingji Xu. The game features two characters, Xiao Xi and the Goose, and players will need to frequently switch perspectives based on the requirements of different scenes. Xiao Xi possesses the skill for detailed tasks such as reading text and can interpret complex clues, while the Goose relies on unique abilities like climbing and diving, along with its distinctive visual advantages to find hidden items. To solve puzzles involving hidden rooms and cryptic messages, the cooperation between Xiao Xi and the Goose is essential for success.
In the game, players need to coordinate actions from both first-person and third-person perspectives. In third-person view, the Goose will actively follow the player’s movements, making it particularly useful for scenarios where both characters need to reach a specific location together. This setup eliminates the need for frequent character switching, allowing players to view the entire situation and manage resources more strategically, balancing convenience with tactical considerations.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
05.The Dream of Tiger Hill
The Game I Made is Super Fun / Xinyu Wu, Yutong Pan, Jiarui Xu, Kexin Tan, Wenqi Zhao, Kexin Yang
Overview
In The Dream of Tiger Hill, players take on the role of Su Dongpo, who is enjoying the spring at Tiger Hill Garden. By chance, he enters a sealed space set up by the monk Zhu Daosheng. Through a conversation with Daosheng, he learns that the Tiger Hill Pagoda has lost its magical power due to the dispersal of spiritual energy, causing the spirits and monsters of Tiger Hill to appear and pose a threat to the human world. In order to help Daosheng and the people restore energy to the Tiger Hill Pagoda, players must guide Su Dongpo to explore Tiger Hill Mountain, complete tasks entrusted by the immortal Lü Dongbin, Chen Xiyi, and the singer Zhen Niang, and collect the scattered spiritual energy throughout the mountain during the journey.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, The Dreams of Tiger Hill centers around collecting spiritual energy to re-energize the Tiger Hill Tower, creating a series of plots and mechanics that run through the entire exploration process. The game mainly includes three major gameplay mechanisms: the Two Immortals’ Town, White Lotus Pond, and the Winding Path.
The inspiration for the Two Immortals’ Formation comes from the historical anecdote of Lü Dongbin and Chen Tuan playing chess at the Two Immortals Pavilion. In the Two Immortals’ Formation, stone buttons are placed along the path. When players step on these buttons, they can control the rise and fall of stone walls within the formation. By observing the patterns of the stone walls’ movement, players can avoid attacks from small stone monsters along the way and use the stone walls to create a path leading to the Two Immortals Pavilion.
The White Lotus Pond, also known as the Tiger Hill Sword Pond, features random floating lotus leaves. Players need to control Su Dongpo to jump across the lotus leaves, avoiding the danger of falling into the water, and ultimately reach the depths of the Sword Pond where the lotus flowers bloom.
The Winding Path draws inspiration from traditional Chinese gardens, known for their winding paths and ever-changing scenery. Along the exploration path, the game sets up various mechanisms, including the Little Pig Demon, Snake Monsters, secret rooms, stone pillars, and movable stone blocks. The Little Pig Demon patrols a fixed route on the map, and when the player approaches, it will charge at them to deal damage. Players must dodge its attacks by controlling their character. Snake Monsters lie in wait within the mountains and caves, emerging and retracting along a predetermined path.
The inspiration for the Two Immortals’ Formation comes from the historical anecdote of Lü Dongbin and Chen Tuan playing chess at the Two Immortals Pavilion. In the Two Immortals’ Formation, stone buttons are placed along the path. When players step on these buttons, they can control the rise and fall of stone walls within the formation. By observing the patterns of the stone walls’ movement, players can avoid attacks from small stone monsters along the way and use the stone walls to create a path leading to the Two Immortals Pavilion.
The White Lotus Pond, also known as the Tiger Hill Sword Pond, features random floating lotus leaves. Players need to control Su Dongpo to jump across the lotus leaves, avoiding the danger of falling into the water, and ultimately reach the depths of the Sword Pond where the lotus flowers bloom.
The Winding Path draws inspiration from traditional Chinese gardens, known for their winding paths and ever-changing scenery. Along the exploration path, the game sets up various mechanisms, including the Little Pig Demon, Snake Monsters, secret rooms, stone pillars, and movable stone blocks. The Little Pig Demon patrols a fixed route on the map, and when the player approaches, it will charge at them to deal damage. Players must dodge its attacks by controlling their character. Snake Monsters lie in wait within the mountains and caves, emerging and retracting along a predetermined path.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
06.The Relics of the Crane Tower
Rocket Team Traversing the Galaxy / Quqing Zhang, Sijie Liu, Hangjing Zheng, Zhiye Wang, Yiran Wan, Guang Yang
Overview
During the glorious years of the Tang Dynasty, the Yellow Crane Tower, one of the three famous towers of the Jiangnan region, was not only a sacred place for scholars and poets but also a symbol of the era’s prosperity and vibrancy. It witnessed the flourishing and strength of the Tang Dynasty, carrying the aspirations and farewells of countless poets. In The Relics of the Crane Tower, you will play the role of a young man from the late Tang Dynasty, who accidentally steps into the tower and unexpectedly encounters the ghost of the Tang Dynasty scholar He Yu. He Yu’s soul lingers there due to three unresolved regrets. With the ability to travel through time, you will journey through the peak of the Tang Dynasty, the turmoil of the An Lushan Rebellion, the desolation of the post-war period, and the early stages of recovery, gradually resolving his regrets related to family, friendship, and the nation.
Gameplay
The core mechanics of the game revolve around item collection and dialogue-based puzzle solving, combined with a creative dual-screen and time-travel gameplay system. The two screens display two different eras of the Tang Dynasty. You can carry items freely across time, experiencing the fascinating changes of space and time. For example, during the An Lushan Rebellion, you can plant a pepper seed, and when you return after the war, it has grown into a pepper tree. This design adds fun and challenge to the puzzle-solving process.
In terms of interaction, the game uses a third-person perspective. Players control character movement using the WASD keys or the arrow keys, press the “I” key to activate time travel, and use the left mouse button to click on objects in the scene to collect them into the inventory. Items from the inventory can then be dragged onto the character or the scene to trigger dialogues. The game levels are designed with a non-linear structure, encouraging players to explore freely. A variety of items and sub-games will gradually reveal the secrets of He Yu’s life.
In terms of interaction, the game uses a third-person perspective. Players control character movement using the WASD keys or the arrow keys, press the “I” key to activate time travel, and use the left mouse button to click on objects in the scene to collect them into the inventory. Items from the inventory can then be dragged onto the character or the scene to trigger dialogues. The game levels are designed with a non-linear structure, encouraging players to explore freely. A variety of items and sub-games will gradually reveal the secrets of He Yu’s life.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
07.The Origins of All Things
Please Welcome the Next Team / YiQiu Zhang, QianRou Wan, XiaoXiao Ren, JiaYue Li, YiYang Li
Overview
The Origins of All Things is a Chinese-style 2D puzzle game inspired by the Zhuge Bagua Village. In the game, we cleverly combine traditional culture with gameplay elements, allowing players to learn about China’s rich traditional culture in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Set against the backdrop of the Zhuge Bagua Village, the game adapts a series of real-life scenes from the village, guiding players to deeply explore this historically and culturally rich settlement.
Gameplay
In The Origins of All Things, players take on the role of a brave explorer, traversing various corners of the Zhuge Bagua Village to collect scattered Bagua fragments in places like the ancestral hall, alleys, and central pond. These fragments are the key to unlocking the village’s return to its former vitality. By continuously combining fragments, players can gradually uncover the truth behind the mysteries. The game incorporates the principles of Yin and Yang balance, and throughout the gameplay, players must understand and apply ancient customs and the philosophical concepts of Bagua.
The scene design in the game closely aligns with the actual layout and Feng Shui principles of the Zhuge Bagua Village. While stylized, the game aims to faithfully recreate the village’s appearance. The Origins of All Things not only offers fun and engaging puzzle-solving experiences but also immerses players in the charm and value of traditional culture as they explore and learn. Through this game, players can sharpen their logical thinking and reasoning skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the profound richness of Chinese traditional culture.
The scene design in the game closely aligns with the actual layout and Feng Shui principles of the Zhuge Bagua Village. While stylized, the game aims to faithfully recreate the village’s appearance. The Origins of All Things not only offers fun and engaging puzzle-solving experiences but also immerses players in the charm and value of traditional culture as they explore and learn. Through this game, players can sharpen their logical thinking and reasoning skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the profound richness of Chinese traditional culture.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
08.The Mirror Hanging High
Just Here for Unity / Dianzhe Tang, Peng Tang, Qixuan Wu, Yinan Huang
Overview
The Mirror Hanging High begins in the third year of the Zhonghe era (883 AD) at the Daming Palace. In this turbulent historical setting, players must evade the search of the imperial guards, search for the lost shards of the Bright Mirror, and restore its mysterious powers. As they explore, players will travel through important historical periods such as the ninth year of the Zhen Guan era, the second year of the Long Shuo era, and the tenth year of the Tian Bao era. They will complete various side quests, gather clues, and gradually piece together the complete mirror. This game not only offers an immersive historical experience but also features rich exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics, allowing players to experience the splendor and changes of the Daming Palace firsthand, while feeling the fascinating intertwining of history and personal fate.
Gameplay
In this game, players will travel back to the third year of the Zhonghe era (883 AD), finding themselves in the newly captured Daming Palace. The core gameplay revolves around avoiding guards and searching for shards of the mirror. In the main quest, players must search the ruined Daming Palace for fragments and trigger side quests that lead them into the fragmented worlds of different historical periods.
In these side quests, players will journey back to the ninth year of the Zhen Guan era, the second year of the Long Shuo era, and the tenth year of the Tian Bao era, where they must obtain mirror shards through various roles and tasks. In the ninth year of the Zhen Guan era, players take on the role of a laborer working on the construction of the Daming Palace, completing tasks while under the watch of supervisors and guards. In the second year of the Long Shuo era, players become a royal physician, sneaking into the palace to treat the empress while avoiding the surveillance of palace maids and eunuchs. In the tenth year of the Tian Bao era, players assume the role of a treasury official, escorting treasures and evading soldier patrols.
As players collect more shards, they will unlock the ability to switch between historical periods, freely navigating the Daming Palace across different eras. Players can use the changing terrain across time to avoid guards, ultimately gathering all the shards to uncover the secret of the mirror. Each era’s map has its own unique architectural style, from the initial construction of the Daming Palace to its peak, and then to its post-destruction ruins. As players progress through the historical changes, they will unlock new challenges, refine their strategy, and improve their stealth skills, ultimately completing the game’s tasks.
In these side quests, players will journey back to the ninth year of the Zhen Guan era, the second year of the Long Shuo era, and the tenth year of the Tian Bao era, where they must obtain mirror shards through various roles and tasks. In the ninth year of the Zhen Guan era, players take on the role of a laborer working on the construction of the Daming Palace, completing tasks while under the watch of supervisors and guards. In the second year of the Long Shuo era, players become a royal physician, sneaking into the palace to treat the empress while avoiding the surveillance of palace maids and eunuchs. In the tenth year of the Tian Bao era, players assume the role of a treasury official, escorting treasures and evading soldier patrols.
As players collect more shards, they will unlock the ability to switch between historical periods, freely navigating the Daming Palace across different eras. Players can use the changing terrain across time to avoid guards, ultimately gathering all the shards to uncover the secret of the mirror. Each era’s map has its own unique architectural style, from the initial construction of the Daming Palace to its peak, and then to its post-destruction ruins. As players progress through the historical changes, they will unlock new challenges, refine their strategy, and improve their stealth skills, ultimately completing the game’s tasks.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
09.The Eerie House: The Awakening of Fate
Big House, Big Blunder / Jiayun Cai, Xinyu Dang, Xinyue Liu, Leyi Wang, Zhixing Lin, Mingyuan Fan
Overview
In the deep mountains of Fujian, a legend has been passed down through generations. It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, a tiger demon, while cultivating its powers, needed to consume children. One day, it hid outside a family’s house, disguised as an old woman, tricking the children into opening the door and devouring the entire family. You are a young Taoist from the Lushan Sect, and many years ago, your master sealed this demoness inside that eerie house. However, due to your master’s advanced age, the seal has weakened, and strange phenomena have begun to manifest during the Soul Pursuit Ritual. In The Eerie House: The Awakening of Fate, players will take on the role of a Taoist disciple who, upon receiving an urgent command, must embark alone on a journey into the haunted house to face the dangers within.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, players must avoid being pursued by the paper figures controlled by the Tiger Grandmother during their exploration. They will use their magical tools to successfully escape and collect clues from the environment, ultimately combining them to create the Copper Coin Sword and the Bagua Formation to defeat the Tiger Grandmother. The tools at the player’s disposal include talismans, the Soul-Tracking Instrument, and the Copper Coin Sword. Talismans can be used to attack enemies in the scene, with each talisman freezing a paper figure for three seconds, allowing the player to escape. The Soul-Tracking Instrument, gifted by the player’s master, does not have the power to exorcise ghosts, but it can point out supernatural directions in certain environments, helping players locate sources of danger. Players must combine the map with this tool to locate enemies and the clues and formations they need to find. The Copper Coin Sword is the key item to defeating the Tiger Grandmother; players need to gather scattered copper coins in the scene to forge a complete Copper Coin Sword.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
10.Records of Anhai
Game Try and Die / Liwen Wang, Shinian Gong, Jingyi Hu, Peiqi Chen, Jingmei Chen, Foqing Zhu
Overview
The story takes place in Anhai Town. After the Taoist priest sealed away two malicious dragons for a century, the ancient Anping Bridge in the town began to deteriorate with the passage of time, and the seal gradually weakened. The once-sealed monsters began to stir, and the shadow of the malicious dragons returned. The player takes on the role of Cai Anhe, a descendant of the Taoist priest, and must search for clues in ancient books left by his ancestors to restore the seal and ultimately save the town.
The game is divided into multiple chapters. Players must explore the Ruiguang Tower, dispel poisonous mists, gather materials, and repair the bridge while fighting against the power of the evil dragons. In the end, with the help of the townsfolk, the seal is restored, the malicious dragons are re-sealed, and peace is brought back to the town.
Gameplay
The game draws upon the cultural imagery of the ancient Anping Bridge and its associated folklore to construct a fictional 2D platform world. Players will advance the story through exploration, combat, and interactions with NPCs, helping the town resist the invasion of evil spirits, collect key materials to repair the seal, and gradually uncover the full story.
In terms of interaction, players can perform basic movements and jumping, as well as use a dash skill to dodge long-range attacks from evil spirits. They can defeat the spirits through attacks or talisman-based abilities. Players can also use a special item, the “Vajra Bell,” which, when combined with a mysterious force, releases a protective shield, allowing them to walk across the poisonous Anping Bridge. This is not only a necessary condition for crossing the bridge but also one of the core abilities for dealing with subsequent boss fights.
During the seal restoration phase, a raft will automatically follow the player, docking at designated restoration points and waiting to trigger the seal interaction. The repair process incorporates the traditional bridge-building technique of “sleeping wood and sinking foundation,” and is presented to players through animated sequences that showcase ancient bridge-building craftsmanship. As the seal is progressively restored, players will face the ultimate challenge—the confrontation with the final boss. After defeating the boss, the player will complete the final seal and bring the story to a close.
In terms of interaction, players can perform basic movements and jumping, as well as use a dash skill to dodge long-range attacks from evil spirits. They can defeat the spirits through attacks or talisman-based abilities. Players can also use a special item, the “Vajra Bell,” which, when combined with a mysterious force, releases a protective shield, allowing them to walk across the poisonous Anping Bridge. This is not only a necessary condition for crossing the bridge but also one of the core abilities for dealing with subsequent boss fights.
During the seal restoration phase, a raft will automatically follow the player, docking at designated restoration points and waiting to trigger the seal interaction. The repair process incorporates the traditional bridge-building technique of “sleeping wood and sinking foundation,” and is presented to players through animated sequences that showcase ancient bridge-building craftsmanship. As the seal is progressively restored, players will face the ultimate challenge—the confrontation with the final boss. After defeating the boss, the player will complete the final seal and bring the story to a close.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
11.Tea Horse Tycoon
Let’s Be Rich / Jiayi Sun, Yuxuan Zhong, Jiachun Chen, Erjie Jiang, Zikai Shen
Overview
The Ancient Tea Horse Road, as a trade artery connecting southwest China, Tibet, and South Asia, has long been a conduit for the flourishing trade of tea, silk, and salt, linking diverse cultures and ethnicities. The road traverses treacherous terrain and complex natural environments, with frequent bandit activity, yet it also exudes a unique charm full of local customs and traditions.
A traveler from afar, during a trip to Yunnan, decides to settle in Dali and open a small inn, offering services to passing caravans and travelers. The path of business begins with the smallest details. Living in Yunnan, he gradually becomes captivated by the rich and diverse cultures along the Tea Horse Road and the prosperity of the ongoing trade. He resolves to deeply explore this ancient route, gradually expanding his inn network and immersing himself in the commerce of the Tea Horse Road.
Gameplay
In this simulation and management game, players will become the innkeeper of a station along the Yunnan Tea Horse Road, responsible for managing and developing various inns. From Dali to Shangri-La and deep into Tibetan regions, players must gradually upgrade and set up new stations, providing better accommodations, supplies, and trade services to attract muleteers and caravans. By strategically managing resources, hiring staff, taking care of horses, and defending against bandits along the way, players can increase the reputation of their inns and earn more profits. Whenever a station reaches its development goals, players can unlock the next station and continue to explore the prosperous history of the Tea Horse Road, ultimately building a thriving trade network.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
12.The Sound of the Tide
lalaland / Jinyi Han, Jiayang Hang, Yunxin Chen, Congying You, Yiting Liu, Lingjie Pan
Overview
The Sound of the Tide focuses on the Mazu belief in the Minnan region, the culture of fishing villages, and the phenomenon of collective suicides among rural women. It is a story about oaths and friendship, history and tragedy, choices and hope. We wait for your arrival in the sea breeze.
Gameplay
The Sound of the Tide offers dual protagonist characters with unique abilities, using a multi-threaded ending system. The different choices players make throughout the game lead to various paths. The main goal of the player’s repeated cycles is to collect folklore to enrich the encyclopedia and establish connections with the villagers and deities. Players will use the information provided by villagers, deities, and folkloric items to solve multiple puzzles, unlocking the conditions to progress to the next cycle, gradually uncovering the tragic fate of the Hui’an women.
Videos
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Concept Explanation
13.A Trip to Heaven
Luo Bu Luo Bu / Se Li, Jingyi Xu, Lisa, Lingyu Wang, Xiyun Cui, Xiuyan Lin
Overview
A Trip to Heaven is dedicated to bringing players a game world of spiritual healing and cultural exploration, presenting the story of the protagonist, “Nian Zhen.” Nian Zhen is an ordinary worker in a bustling metropolis, caught in the hustle and bustle of daily life, swept along by the fast-paced rhythm of the city. The pressures from family and work weigh heavily on her, like a mountain on her shoulders. Finally, under the strain of inner suppression, Nian Zhen makes a bold decision—she resigns from her job and sets off on a journey. She longs to find a place where her soul can find peace in the vastness of the world. With her backpack in tow, she embarks on a long journey.
In Lhasa, the roof of the world, on this sacred land, Nian Zhen meets a variety of people. Through conversations with them, she gradually learns the stories behind these individuals and the connection between them and the holy land’s temple, the Potala Palace. At the same time, she begins to explore the answers within her own heart, and this place will become the final destination of her journey.
Gameplay
A Trip to Heaven offers a rich quest system, including both main and side quests. Players must interact with NPCs to advance the storyline and experience the core narrative of the game, as well as Tibetan culture. Side quests are designed as immersive cultural experiences, where players can engage in activities such as dye-making, sheep shearing, and painting thangkas. Through a first-person perspective, players can enjoy a highly interactive gaming experience, collecting story-related items and clues that gradually unveil the mysteries of the Potala Palace.
At the same time, the game encourages players to explore freely, interacting with NPCs and animals in the environment, such as playing with cats, herding cows, and feeding sheep. This allows players to enjoy the game in a relaxed atmosphere while learning about Tibetan daily life and cultural knowledge.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
14.Fimbulvetr
Use the Fire Fist on Him / Shengxinye Wang
Overview
Fimbulvetr is a game set in a post-apocalyptic snow-covered world. The game takes place in the near future, after a devastating global catastrophe and a sudden drop in temperatures. The entire planet is now blanketed in snow, and the once-great civilizations are no more. Most of humanity has been wiped out in the apocalypse. In the face of this crisis, humanity developed a key technology, Helium Energy, in order to survive. This technology has exceptional energy supply properties, capable of providing continuous power to various machines. Although it ultimately couldn’t prevent humanity’s complete extinction, it provides the protagonist with the energy needed to move forward.
Gameplay
Players will control the protagonist, who awakens in the ruins, with a hot air balloon serving as her vehicle to begin the adventure. Throughout the journey, players will need to interact with various devices in different environments, collecting scattered energy sources to activate mechanical devices or power the hot air balloon. This will help the protagonist traverse the vast, endless ice plains, solve mechanical puzzles, and uncover the hidden truths behind the world’s destruction.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
15.Heavenly Measure
The Clueless Cat Crew / Wanjun Huang, Chenpu Li, Zhenxin Zhu, Qisheng Huang
Overview
Heavenly Measure is a 2D action-adventure game set against the cultural backdrop of the Mogao Caves. The story takes place within the Mogao Caves during the late Tang Dynasty. Players take on the role of the daughter of a craftsman at the Mogao Caves. One night, while searching for her father, who has been missing for a long time, she unexpectedly acquires the mysterious “Nine-Tiered Lotus Platform.” As she explores the altered Mogao Caves, she gradually unlocks the powers of the “Nine-Tiered Lotus Platform” and uncovers the truth behind the strange events at the caves and her father’s disappearance.
Gameplay
The game adopts a Metroidvania-style design approach. With a nonlinear map layout, the game features elements like hidden paths, secret rooms, and destructible walls, encouraging players to repeatedly explore the map, ensuring high map reuse. Additionally, visual guidance elements such as one-way doors and detour treasure chests across different regions are designed to lead players toward the intended routes envisioned by the developers. Through combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, players gain new abilities, and by enhancing their skills and memorizing the map, they gradually unlock deeper areas.
Videos
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Concept Explanation
16.Under the Dark Tiles
Legendary Burnout Hall / Zicheng Zhao, Junxiao Wen, Zixuan Han, Xiaoxuan Li, Dingqian Zhang
Overview
In the Huizhou region, it has long been a tradition for successful merchants to return to their hometowns and restore ancestral homes, as well as build clan halls. As a result, the Huizhou-style architectural complex, characterized by structures such as horse-head walls, inner floors, arches, and memorial gates, has become one of the typical representations of Jiangnan architecture, with its unique charm. In Under the Dark Tiles, players will take on the role of a planner navigating between scrolls and ancient villages. Through the ancient scrolls, they will gather resources for restoring the traditional Huizhou-style village, bringing new life to the once-forgotten village.
Gameplay
The game adopts a puzzle + tower-climbing design approach, offering players multiple strategic experiences. Players must carefully think and place tiles in the correct positions and orientations, allowing rivers or buildings in the scene to form pathways or settlements. This process will earn players points and resources to progress through the ancient scroll. The cycle continues until the entire village landscape is completed, and players ultimately rebuild the ancient village.
In terms of interaction, the game uses a slightly perspective-driven telephoto camera. Players can select tiles to place using the A and D keys, and adjust the camera zoom with W and S keys to better observe the overall village landscape. Additionally, when buildings or connected rivers are formed, players are given a visual transformation of the buildings from old to new, providing positive feedback. In Under the Dark Tiles, the game draws inspiration from Huizhou-style architecture and features over twenty distinct tiles that showcase the unique characteristics of Huizhou architecture, allowing players to freely explore and build within this world.
In terms of interaction, the game uses a slightly perspective-driven telephoto camera. Players can select tiles to place using the A and D keys, and adjust the camera zoom with W and S keys to better observe the overall village landscape. Additionally, when buildings or connected rivers are formed, players are given a visual transformation of the buildings from old to new, providing positive feedback. In Under the Dark Tiles, the game draws inspiration from Huizhou-style architecture and features over twenty distinct tiles that showcase the unique characteristics of Huizhou architecture, allowing players to freely explore and build within this world.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
17.Xuankong Pavilion
So What? / Nan Shen, Hongyu Chen
Overview
Xuankong Pavilion is a 2D narrative-driven RPG puzzle game inspired by the Hanging Temple in Shanxi. Players take on the role of Wen Zixing, a university student who traveled to the Hanging Temple in 1978 to participate in artifact restoration. After accidentally finding a mysterious journal from 1927, he experiences a series of paranormal events. Through the intertwining of time and space, he gradually uncovers a long-buried past.
Gameplay
The game features a core mechanic where the journal and levels progress simultaneously, each driving the other. The journal left behind in 1927 unlocks content corresponding to each date. It guides players by recording which rooms paranormal events occurred in, directing them to the relevant locations. Players follow the journal’s guidance to complete corresponding levels, gather clues, and input the gathered information into the journal to unlock subsequent journal entries.
For the specific puzzle levels, the game is designed with light as the central element: light serves as a trigger for the intertwining of time and space. During the limited hours of sunlight in the Hanging Temple each day, areas illuminated by light will present the layout of 1927. Players control the window shutters to adjust the lighting in the room, using the differences in the status and arrangement of objects depending on whether they are illuminated or not to solve puzzles and gather journal clues.
For the specific puzzle levels, the game is designed with light as the central element: light serves as a trigger for the intertwining of time and space. During the limited hours of sunlight in the Hanging Temple each day, areas illuminated by light will present the layout of 1927. Players control the window shutters to adjust the lighting in the room, using the differences in the status and arrangement of objects depending on whether they are illuminated or not to solve puzzles and gather journal clues.
Videos
Trailer
Concept Explanation
From the thousand-year-old murals of Yulin Grottoes to the tilted secret of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, from the “ghost-guarding” legends of the hanging-foot houses in western Hunan to the elegant pastime of flowing wine at the Orchid Pavilion in Shaoxing—each work in “The Millennia of China” is a modern reinterpretation of historical genes, a heartfelt tribute by digital natives to the bloodline of civilization. The students of the College of Design and Innovation have woven a fantastical journey through their boundless imagination, reconstructing the spatial and temporal coordinates of Chinese civilization in the virtual world.
The endpoint of this course marks the beginning of a new era for the inheritance of Chinese culture. The profound legacy of five thousand years of Chinese civilization is transforming from a silent heritage into an endless source of inspiration for digital content creators. The younger generation is reshaping mountains and rivers with bits, awakening memories through interaction, and the flame of civilization has never dimmed. It has simply taken on a new language, eternally flowing through the fingertips of digital natives.
