In a small, primarily visual game engine bitsy offers a lot of options in a small package. I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach bitsy to new students, both in a workshop and through tutoring, to allow them a first glimpse into how to make an artistic game.
Because anyone can learn and use bitsy to make a tiny game within a two day window, it is my favorite tool to introduce thinking like a game designer to people who are interested but are struggling to get over the first big hump.
All bitsy games are uploaded to my itch.io account and can be played through the browser there.
Slumber Party
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A story about a trans teen and his girlfriend camping out on the playground near her house and having a slumber party. Conversations about gender, identity, doubts and the stars ensue.
In Illness
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In the face of mystery illness and the harrowing possibility of continued decline with no answers, a couple need to figure out how to move forward. How to do that though when the future is so uncertain?
Virtual Hug
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A small, as a commenter called it, wholesome game based on frame to frame animation that you, as the player, control.
You Are Not Alone
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A game for and about transgender people and the dangers faced by those who are not cisgender. It confronts the fate of those who are vulnerable and the unfortunate end many of them face.
But it also reminds of the community of support that exists and encourages people who are suffering from the isolation to find their allies.
You are not alone.
The Missing Piece Makes it Right
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The Missing Piece was written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein in 1976. So even if the character here looks like Pacman: it’s not Pacman. The story is quite profound, about idealising relationships and wether or not finding one’s missing piece is automatically going to equate in happiness.
But along the way, it breaks a piece. This is about what might happen if it went back.
Quarantine Day
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Did you notice the world is on fire? No? Lucky you.
This is a literal mini game, made during the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, 2020. One room, no exit, just chores. Walk around and explore what there is to do… until there is nothing left, but it’s 10 am and you got up an hour ago and you can’t go out. So you eventually quit to watch Youtube instead.
Cat Box
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A puzzle game where the cat wants to trap you and you want to see the ending.
