You Don’t Understand

A polemical game about deteriorating relationships with parents after coming out

DATE

2023

CONTEXT

Created in the Fall 2023 Game Design (Desma 157), taught by Sam Malabre

MEDIUM

Cards, Acrylic, Magnets, Dry Erase Marker, Paint

PEOPLE

Ella Chen  :  Game Design, Concept, Visuals, Fabrication

You Don’t Understand is inspired by how the developer’s relationship with their parents deteriorated after they found out the developer was queer. It’s a story of a generational and religious gap with no real winners; just a family that can no longer fit together, no matter how much either side wants it to. This is communicated through a spin on the classic game of battleship; “winning” means taking apart the opposing side’s values and health. In the end, there will be only one side with their life intact, and all the pieces of the opposing side in their hands.