AquaEcho (A Quest Through the Depths of the Re-Ocean)
Investor pitch for a fantaserious video game
Dark blue. Silence.
The PRESENTER appears, slightly glitching at the beginning, then stabilising.
They smize.
PRESENTER (holographic, non-binary, neck tattoo-algae, head-worn speech microphone):
In the depths of a digital ocean, named Re-Ocean, where neon currents spin and cybernetic sea creatures glide through the virtual recovering coral reef, players dive into the immersive world of AquaEcho, a cutting-edge oceanpunk video game that blurs the lines between reality and simulation. Players are welcome to the neon-lit stage of the submerged dome, where Echo, a non-binary avatar clad in hyper-tech survival gear, awaits them with a mysterious glint in their digital green eyes.
The stage, reminiscent of a sunken black box theatre, pulsates with the rhythm of the virtual tide, its fluctuating water levels generating an ever-shifting backdrop. Advanced computational algorithms orchestrate this dynamic environment, modeling the behaviour of the digital currents and simulating the intricate dance of marine life.
As players don their VR headsets and plunge into the digital depths, they are greeted by a symphony of strange sounds: e.g. the crackle of welding equipment, the echo of distant infrasounds, the constant hum of computational algorithms... These sounds are not just atmospheric effects but are meticulously crafted by an AI sound artist, drawing from a database of recordings from real-world techno-marine sonic environments and synthesising them in real-time to create a truly immersive auditory experience.
Water droplets cascade from the ceiling, casting ethereal patterns on the virtual stage below, while holographic visions of modern architecture ruins flicker and shimmer in the neon-lit darkness. These holographic projections are both aesthetic flourishes and integral to the game's narrative, providing players with clues and hints as they navigate through the Re-Ocean.
Echo's attire is a fusion of sleek cyberpunk avant-garde fashion and rugged oceanic gear, their helmet adorned with glowing gilded polymetallic nodules -based circuitry and intricate mechanical components. The helmet's sensors monitor the player's biometric data, feeding it back into the game's AI to dynamically adjust the level of challenge and intensity based on the player's physiological responses.
But AquaEcho is more than just another video game; it's a journey through the dark underbelly of the digitised world, where players must navigate a labyrinth of challenges and puzzles in search of meaning and connection.
The heart of the game lies in its dialogue, a mesmerising blend of excerpts from classic multicultural sea-themed litterature and their random recombinations generated by an AI. Not just scripted interactions, these dialogues are dynamically generated based on the player's actions and choices, creating a truly personalised narrative experience. Players, to progress through the game, must decipher Echo's cryptic messages, piecing together fragments of their traumatic story, that of a late-1990s Western actor whose self has been transferred into the underwater messenger.
Along the way, the players encounter a diverse cast of characters, from glitchy AI constructs to enigmatic, more or less friendly, cybernetic sea creatures and monsters, a fascinating array of marine life, each species meticulously designed to reflect the intricate splendour of real-world ocean lost ecosystems.
Among them is Geli, a red algae-pet, named after Gelidium bioluminis, a now extinct algal species with bioluminescent glow. Geli's main characteristic is its pulsating red light, which is inspired by the complex biochemical reactions within the cellular structure of the original species, a feature that had evolved to attract prey and communicate with other members of its species.
Geli's bioluminescence is not just for show; it also serves a crucial role in the game's ecosystem. The intensity of its glow varies according to the emotional responses and orientation choices of its assigned player-companion, accounting for real-world ancient research into the symbiotic relationships between marine organisms and their environment. This dynamic interaction adds layers to the player's experience, as they must learn to interpret Geli's signals and respond accordingly to navigate the Re-Ocean.
In addition to Geli, players encounter a diverse variety of mollusks, each one a marvel of hybridization between the memory of sea organicity and computer hardware. When they encounter the mollusks, the player's visors betray a flicker of excitement, their hearts racing as they reach out to touch the shimmering biotech creatures.
These mollusks exhibit iridescent colours, a result of structural coloration caused by microscopic structures in their cybertissues. Players can interact with them, but they must proceed with caution. Some species are poisonous. Interacting with these defensive ones can have consequences, adding an element of risk and challenge to the gameplay experience. In some cases, it could even affect the hardware supporting the game, potentially causing malfunctions or system damage due to the interaction with the poisonous species.
However, players should also be aware that any of their interactions with creatures in the game can influence the latter's mechanics in unexpected ways. Just as in real-world-lost ecosystems, the delicate balance of the Re-Ocean can be disrupted by human intervention, leading to unpredictable glitches and disruptions in the gameplay. This feature adds a layer of complexity to the game, challenging players to consider the consequences of their actions and adapt to the ever-changing virtual environment.
Through the tactile full-body suit equipped with sensors and actuators, the players can sense an unknown and intoxicating energy, an odd but pleasurable connection that transcends the laws of the digitised world. For in the fluent abyss of AquaEcho, players can experience novel emotions from sensual interaction with the environment, even with other connected players, their every touch and movement rippling through the simulated waterscape.
As they eventually reach out to the final stage, to the red algae-covered rocky cave-sanctuary, they can feel, when entering in, the last soft caress of the virtual tendrils against their fingertips, the pulsating rhythm of the electronic tide echoing in their whole body. With this final interaction, players can sense a deep and primal connection forming.
But amidst the sensuality and wonder of AquaEcho, there lingers a sense of emotional depth that permeates the digital realm. As players navigate the hyperdepths of the Re-Ocean, they find themselves confronted not only with the beauty of the underwater world but also with the raw intensity of human emotions.
Echo, the enigmatic non-binary avatar-actor, serves as a conduit for these emotions, their digital presence channeling the innermost feelings of the players. Through subtle interactions and nuanced dialogue, sometimes shared silences, Echo is more than just a character in the game; they become a double reflecting the players' own hopes, fears, and desires.
One interactive element that adds to the emotional depth of the game is the collection of tears. As players progress through, they encounter moments of heartache and loss, moments that evoke a visceral emotional response. In these moments, players have the option to collect tears, symbolic tokens of the pain and sorrow they have experienced. These tears serve as a tangible reminder of the human experience, a testament to the depth of feeling that permeates AquaEcho.
But amidst the sadness and longing, there are also moments of solace and connection. Players can find agents of care scattered throughout the virtual world, hidden gems that offer moments of respite from the emotional intensity of the game. These agents of solace take many forms, from soothing melodies that play softly in the background to serene underwater caresses that provide a welcome escape from the chaos of the Re-Ocean.
With their collected tears, players can acquire hidden sanctuaries nestled among the vibrant coral formations, where the delicate balance of life blossoms. These sanctuaries serve as oases of tranquility in the midst of the Re-Ocean, offering players a moment of rest from the intensity of the game. Here, among the swaying corals and colourful marine life, players can find solace in the beauty of the diginatural world, connecting with the healing power of the waters.
As players explore these underwater sanctuaries, they may encounter interactive elements that further enhance their sense of calm and serenity. Perhaps they come across a school of tropical fish whose graceful movements dance in harmony with the gentle currents, or a hidden alcove-spa where bright organisms cast a soft, soothing glow.
Additionally, players may discover hidden messages or fragments of poetry etched into the coral walls, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to those who seek solace in the depths. These messages, inspired by the once resilience of real-world coral reefs, serve as a reminder of the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. As players immerse themselves in these tranquil sanctuaries, they are reminded of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of finding moments of peace and reflection in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
In AquaEcho, the virtual world reflects not only the beauty of the ocean but also the urgent need for environmendigital conservation. Inspired by real-world ancient ecological tragedies such as coral bleaching, the game introduces players through Zeta the crabactivist to the devastating effects of environmendigital degradation and the importance of collective action in protecting fragile ecosystems.
As players embark on their journey through the virtual reefs of AquaEcho, they may encounter haunting scenes of coral bleaching, a poignant reminder of the existential threats that loomed over terrestrial oceans. These ghostly white colonies, once teeming with life, bore witness to the catastrophic impacts of rising sea temperatures, pollution, and overfishing. It is a call to action, a rallying cry for environmendigital justice, and Zeta stands at the forefront, organising protests and direct actions to confront the Re-Ocean's pressing crises head-on.
Through the immersive gameplay mechanics of AquaEcho, players have indeed the opportunity to join Zeta's cause, actively participating in the Re-Ocean's coral restoration efforts. Together, they plant new coral fragments, breathing life back into these barren landscapes and nurturing them towards recovery. In this journey of restoration, players confront the harsh realities of environmendigital degradation, navigating through virtual obstacles and overcoming environmendigital hazards with resilience and determination.
In a bold move of environmendigital activism, Zeta & Co., the leading organisation in AquaEcho's virtual world, calls for a game-wide strike to protest against the ongoing destruction of the Re-Ocean. With the support of players who share their commitment to environmendigital justice, Zeta disrupts the gameplay by halting all in-game activities and events, blocking other connected players' activities.
As players log in to AquaEcho, they are greeted with a message from Zeta, urging them to join the strike and stand in solidarity against the virtual exploitation of digitised marine life. The game's virtual world comes to a standstill as players unite in support of Zeta's cause, refusing to participate in any activities until their demands for change are met. During the strike, players gather in virtual rallies and protests, earning points for their participation and collecting tokens that symbolise their dedication to the cause. These tokens serve as badges of honour, signifying the players' commitment to environmendigital activism within the gaming community.
One example of a token that the players can earn during the strike is the "Eco-CybeRescuer Badge," awarded to those who actively participate in the virtual rallies and protests. This badge features an emblem of a clenched fist holding a sprouting coral branch, symbolising the power of collective action.
Another example is the "Re-Ocean Protector Medal", bestowed upon players who demonstrate exceptional leadership in organising strike-related events and mobilising support from the gaming community. This medal depicts a shield emblazoned with waves crashing against a coral reef, representing the player's steadfast commitment to defending the fragile ecosystems of the Re-Ocean.
Players may also collect symbolic items such as virtual "Coral Keys", which unlock access to hidden levels and areas of the game world. These keys serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life within the digital ocean, emphasising the importance of preserving its biocyberdiversity for future generations.
In addition to tokens and symbols earned through participation in the strike, players may encounter virtual artifacts scattered throughout the game world, each imbued with its own unique meaning and significance. These artifacts, ranging from ancient seashells to futuristic sand sculptures, serve as reminders of the rich history and diversity of the digital ocean, inspiring players to explore its depths with reverence and respect.
As the strike continues, players access higher levels of engagement by completing virtual challenges and missions designed to raise awareness about environmendigital issues. They compete with each other to see who can recruit the most players to join the strike and earn rewards for their efforts. In addition to participating in the strike, players use their downtime to explore the virtual world of AquaEcho, unlocking hidden levels and discovering new areas of the Re-ocean. Along the way, they encounter educational resources and interactive exhibits that provide insights into the importance of cybermarine conservation and sustainable living.
Ultimately, the game-wide strike becomes a pivotal moment in AquaEcho's narrative, transforming players into active agents of change within the digitised world. Through their collective efforts, they demonstrate the power of gaming as a tool for social and environmendigital activism, inspiring others to join the fight against cyberclimate change.
The emotional and empowering journey of AquaEcho is both deeply personal, shaped by the unique experiences and perspectives of each player, and collective through enduring spirit of environmendigital activism. As they confront the vulnerability of life and the fleeting nature of connection, they are reminded of the bittersweet beauty of existence itself. Simultaneously they are invited to partake in a journey into the power of collective action, and, in the end, a complex construction made of drama, resilience, and hope.
It is this emotional and political resonance that makes AquaEcho more than just a game; it is an immersive exploration of the human condition in interaction with human and non-human co-existence, a journey into the depths of the collective soul and action that leaves a lasting impression on all who dare to dive in.
WARNING
In the final moments of AquaEcho, players find themselves grappling with uncertainty and philosophical questions that cast doubt on the validity of their actions. As they confront the consequences of their choices, a sense of skepticism may creep in, challenging their beliefs and leaving them questioning the true impact of their activism. Echo and Zeta, once symbols of hope and inspiration, now stand as enigmatic figures shrouded in ambiguity. Players wonder if their efforts were in vain, if the digital ocean can truly be saved, or if it is merely a futile endeavour in the face of insurmountable challenges. The option to collect tears becomes a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of the journey, but also a symbol of the ambiguity that surrounds their mission. Are these tears of sorrow or of hope? Are they a testament to the players' commitment to change, or merely a futile gesture in the face of overwhelming odds? As players grapple with these questions, they are left with a sense of uncertainty about the future. The possibility to rest and reflect offers a momentary respite from the turmoil, but it also raises deeper existential questions about the nature of activism and the true meaning of progress. In the end, as the credits roll and the virtual ocean fades into darkness, players are left with more questions than answers. The journey of AquaEcho becomes not just a quest for environmendigital justice, but a philosophical exploration of the human condition and the complexities of our relationship with life. And so, the uncertainty lingers, echoing through the depths of the Re-Ocean and leaving players to ponder the true meaning of their journey.
The PRESENTER fades away, slightly glitching at the beginning, then disappears completely.
Dark blue. Silence. Only, distant, almost imperceptible, the faint thud of a stone landing on the ocean bed.
