SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

In today’s world, an increasing number of young people are contending with various pressures in their lives. In China, numerous youths are grappling with stress related to their studies, families, employment prospects, peer comparisons, and more, resulting in a significant toll on their mental well-being. Research indicates that many schools and families in China overlook the importance of providing adequate mental health care for young individuals, leading most to cope with their stress independently. Additionally, approximately one fourth of Chinese students have encountered at least one traumatic event during their upbringing. As a game design team, we recognize the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth and highlighting the significance of self-worth and introspection. To this end, we have created an interactive visual novel about a unique train journey experienced by a traumatized university student. Struggling with family issues, academic pressure, and friendship crises, she seeks an escape from reality by skipping school and boarding this train. Along the journey, she encounters a diverse array of eccentric passengers and staff, engaging in conversations about their respective challenges. Players are given the freedom to navigate how the protagonist responds to life’s adversities, ultimately deciding whether to summon the courage to confront reality or flee.