About the Project
Overwhelmed is a 2D psychological puzzle-adventure created for GIMJAM by ITB 2024, where you navigate a surreal dream world as a glowing entity whose light sustains everything. But with every task you complete for others, your light dims, a metaphor for the emotional toll of nonstop people-pleasing. Notably, Overwhelmed was awarded “Best in Visual” at GIMJAM, recognizing its striking, dream-like art style.
Gameplay Overview
Explore symbolic, atmospheric landscapes, meet characters in need, and complete tasks that chip away at your energy. Each act of kindness drains your glow, pushing you to weigh your desire to help against your own well-being.
Themes & Metaphor
- Your glow symbolizes emotional energy, hope, and personal boundaries.
- Helping others drains you, every request answered demands a sacrifice.
- The world around you thins as you fade, illustrating self-exhaustion.
- The game explores the tension between altruism and self-care.
Through its mechanics and visuals, Overwhelmed offers a powerful metaphor for mental and emotional burnout.