Date of Award
Spring 3-12-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
School
School of Design
First Advisor
Michael DeAnda
Second Advisor
Allen Turner
Third Advisor
Jes Klass
Abstract
Floodfriend is a two-dimensional puzzle-platformer game with two main characters that are trying to navigate their way out of a cave system. The player controls both the human and the monster of the duo: the hiker responds to direct arrow key input, while the monster can only be persuaded by using the hiker’s flashlight to swim and climb to otherwise inaccessible areas. The game is equal parts a simulation and a toy, encouraging the player to try different methods of interaction to garner the results they want to see. From a design perspective, the game is centered on the push and pull of the hiker’s actions in their attempts to communicate despite the language (and species) barrier. It questions what, exactly, makes a monster monstrous?
Recommended Citation
Watson, Lauren, "Floodfriend" (2025). College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations. 69.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/cdm_etd/69