For many people, whether consciously or subconsciously, video games serve as a form of escapism from the drudgery of everyday life. Fast-paced action, loot boxes, and other immediate rewards are easy triggers for releasing dopamine in our limbic system. However, what happens when we shift from a gameplay-centric experience to a narrative-driven one? The story takes the lead and the game demands a conscious effort to be fully appreciated. In an ironic twist, Numb yanks you away from the numbness of most popular games and immerses you in an introspective journey between reality and perception. 'Introspective' is the key here: B, our protagonist, is an ageless, genderless character devoid of backstory - the ideal vessel for your persona. We've created a world where your daily routines are your only lifeline, but even those are filled with hidden dangers. This game explores the complexities of mental health through a lens that is as empathetic as it is unsettling.

Who are we, anyway?

We are Empty Bottle, a collective of seasoned and slightly cynical game developers who grew tired of working on flashy AAA games. We pitched Numb to numerous publishers to increase its scope and be able to work on it full-time. However, in the era of games as a service and an over-saturated indie market, finding an interested investor is a huge struggle - let alone when the game delves deeply into complex topics such as mental health and personal trauma and features a minimalistic, not flashy aesthetic style. As a result, we are working on Numb on the side while carrying on our daily jobs. While our time is limited, we still aim to complete the production of the game before the end of the year and keep you posted about it along the way. Additionally, we do not have any financial resources, and while we do not ask for donations, any funding we receive will alleviate our personal expenses in the creation and promotion of Numb. But the biggest help you can provide us right now is playing the demo, and letting us know your opinion, be it positive or negative. You can try the demo on Itch.io. See you in the comment section, and make sure to leave a review and add Numb to your Steam wishlist. Cheers, - the Empty Bottle team

[ 2023-07-04 17:18:25 CET ] [ Original post ]