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 happen?

3. Who I’m Looking For

This project will be human-made for all final assets.

AI may be used for early concept exploration only,

but all finished art, writing, and code will be created by real people.

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”.

Please include your portfolio or relevant work links.

Let us begin, like the player in our story, with a sincere gaze.

I look forward to building this lonely, gentle world with you.