Discomfort Zone: A Game About Depression and Recovery

Discomfort Zone: A Game About Depression and Recovery

Discomfort Zone is a 2D pixel-art narrative game that takes a realistic and unfiltered look at depression and anxiety disorder. The game is designed to promote understanding and share the experience of dealing with these conditions with a wider audience. The game's creator has included a warning that the game can at times create a purposefully upsetting environment for the player, and contains content such as mention of self-harm, suicidal, and self-deprecating thoughts. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

The game's core gameplay involves navigating through different colored areas, with the red section being the most difficult and uncomfortable. However, the game does have a happy ending once the player has made it back to a white-colored area after the red section. This ending section is completely cozy, life-affirming, and safe to navigate for anyone.

Discomfort Zone was made in a heavily-hacked version of the Bitsy engine, using a simple art style, limited color palette, and basic controls to ensure accessibility. The game's design, additional code & hacks, writing, and art are all by the game's creator.

Credits

• Made in Bitsy: https://ledoux.itch.io/bitsy
• Utilizes some Bitsy hacks by Sean LeBlanc (https://github.com/seleb)
• Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
• Sound Effects: Alexander (www.orangefreesounds.com)

Conclusion

Discomfort Zone is a powerful game that tackles difficult topics with honesty and sensitivity. The game's creator has done an excellent job of creating an experience that is both uncomfortable and ultimately uplifting. The game is highly recommended for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of depression and anxiety disorder, or for anyone who simply wants to experience a well-crafted narrative game.