TIME: Journey to Nowruz
Roles
Producer, Game Designer, 3D Modeler, Level designer, Light designer, Gameplay programmer, Story Writer and Narrative Designer, Voice Casting Director, Game Optimizer, VR Cinematic Designer (*solo developer)
Software
Unreal Engine, 3Ds Max, Substance Painter, Adobe Premier Pro, Photoshop, Encoder, Audacity
“TIME: Journey to Nowruz” is a first-person, puzzle-adventure, platformer game that offers players a unique interactive experience where they can journey to Iran and explore its rich cultures, arts, and history. The project is designed as my MFA final thesis project, and it received the RPI Game Fest 2024 “Impact Award”, and the UConn Middle Eastern Cultural Programs (MECP) Co-Funding grant,
Awards
Awarded UConn MECP Co-Funding Program
Received "Impact Award" from RPI Game Fest
Abstract
“TIME: Journey to Nowruz” is an immersive gaming experience that takes players on a magical journey through Persian culture and the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The protagonist, a young boy named Farid, begins a quest to revive Nowruz and reunite with his family. His adventure takes him to the heart of the Achaemenid Empire, Persepolis, where he meets historical figures and collects items reflecting Haftsin traditions to break a curse. The game culminates in a vibrant Nowruz celebration, underscoring familial bonds, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of traditions.
The game provides an engaging exploration of Iran’s history, architecture, and traditions, offering players a unique insight into the country’s cultural identity. The development of “TIME: Journey to Nowruz” involved extensive research in various fields, including game development, cultural studies, cross-cultural communication, history, art and architecture, music, storytelling, interactive media, educational technology, psychology of gaming and learning, and user experience design. By integrating these diverse fields, the game offers an innovative and engaging experience that fosters cultural understanding and appreciation. This paper will explore the development process and the educational and cultural impact of “TIME: Journey to Nowruz”.
Level Design Gallery
Gameplay
Artist Statement
As a game developer, I aimed to create an immersive, educational, and inspiring experience that draws upon the richness of my Persian heritage. TIME: Journey to Nowruz, serves as a window into Iran’s vibrant culture and history. Centered around Nowruz, the Persian New Year, this game immerses players in the tradition of curating the Haftsin table and participating in cherished Persian rituals. This interactive odyssey not only educates players about the often overlooked or misinterpreted elements of Persian culture but also bonds Iranian immigrants together, encouraging them to rejoice and share their distinctive traditions in their new communities. Moreover, the game offers a snapshot of Iran’s abundant historical, cultural, and mystical narratives, a precious reservoir waiting to be explored. I have designed this game by employing methods of advanced storytelling, gamified rituals, and immersive environments, steering players through imaginatively reconstructed historical and fictional settings, brimming with interactive historical and cultural artifacts.
3D Modeling
