Hello, I’m the creator of Watermelon Kingdom. I’m launching an ambitious narrative game project — one that is not about combat or victory, but about loneliness, alienation, and the philosophy of doing nothing.
1. Core Concept: A Split Reality & Contrasting Worlds
This is not a game that teaches you how to “heal” a pet.
It presents a world split in two:
Camera A: The Watermelon Kingdom
A hand-drawn, warm utopia of memory, full of “unreasonable beauty” and gentle meaninglessness.
Camera B: The Digital Training Camp
A cold, efficient cybernetic facility designed to erase individuality and enforce obedience.
Two central characters form a cruel, haunting contrast:
Tongtong
A “failed” digital puppy. Unable to be disciplined, she clings to the meaningless joys of the Watermelon Kingdom — such as sitting quietly and doing nothing. This has led her into existential depression.
Atie
Once a real dog, now a perfect mechanical dog. A top graduate of the camp, he represents absolute obedience and efficiency.
Yet his deepest desire is to return to being an imperfect, living dog.
2. Player Role: A Non-Directive Witness
You are not a healer. You are a witness.
The core gameplay is non-directive companionship:
no quest logs, no “click here to heal” buttons.
Your choices are silent presence, unguided stillness, or simply adjusting the light.
We explore:
When inaction becomes meaningful interaction — can healing still happ
3. Who I’m Looking For
① Concept / Visual Artist (Top Priority)
You must deeply understand and visually express the extreme contrast between:
- warm, hand-drawn comfort
- cold, cybernetic sterility
Style references:
emotional weight of GRIS, narrative composition of What Remains of Edith Finch.
Your art will define the soul of both worlds.
② Ren'Py Developer / Narrative Tech Partner
I need someone to help build cinematic scene transitions, layered dialogue trees, and emotional tension within stillness in Ren'Py.
Together we will answer:
How do you code depression?
How do you make inaction feel like a choice that matters?
4. Important Terms & How to Join
This is a passion project.
I cannot offer upfront payment, but I promise transparent, fair revenue sharing if the project earns income of any kind.
Our goal is to create something heartfelt and thought-provoking.
If you feel drawn to this imperfect world:
Send me an email at:
watermelonkingdom@163.com
(Although it is a 163.com mailbox, I check it daily — this is our reliable bridge for now.)
Email subject:
[Watermelon Kingdom] – [Your role: Artist / Developer]
In your message:
Tell me what resonated with you about “depression in digital life” or “non-directive healing”.
Let us begin, like the player in our story, with a sincere gaze.
I look forward to building this lonely, gentle world with you.