By Nivetha Kannan and Swetha Kannan
Implemented by Swetha Kannan
Stasis is a game which explores the walking home controversy which has swept the internet in recent months. The game illustrates another perspective, walking home in the dark, that raises similar issues of gender, catcalling, and most importantly safety. The game allows you to play the role of a woman while having to fend off unwanted advances. There is often times no telling what level of interaction can either stop the behavior or encourage more harassment or even violence so the woman remains a silent protagonist throughout the game from beginning until the end when she arrives home. It is up to you, as the gamer and subsequent godly entity, to ensure that she gets home safe and is hit with the minimum about of harassment as possible.
The concept for this game is very strong and resonates with me. The simulation effectively makes me play out certain scenarios in my head. The stalker was a nice touch.
As for the gameplay, my strategy was to take one word bubble and make it a bulldozer. It’s actually really effective. I wish I could instead respond, use pepper spray, or do something to empower myself. Then again I usually ignore those things in real life so I guess doing without those things is fine, too.
Great job!
“Stasis” ==”stay, sis” amirite???
As a woman I can really understand the ‘creepy’ aspect of this game and relate to the apprehension of walking home at night. I think you were really successful in evoking a feeling of discomfort / unease, and I found the game to be ‘frustrating’ in a good way–when I reached the house at the end I felt an incredible sense of relief. I also agree with Michelle’s comment in that I wish I could empower myself in some way, but at the same time I really liked the feeling of helplessness in the face of threat.