Inner Light
Narrative puzzle game where the UI itself becomes the core gameplay mechanic
Role: Game & UI Designer · Timeline: 48 hours · Team: 3 people · Platform: PC (itch.io)
Narrative Design, Game Jam, Atmospheric Puzzle
Overview
Narrative puzzle game created during a 48-hour Game Jam. Theme: "A gift is a curse." The player is the only one who can see in a world consumed by darkness. To guide others to safety, you must share your sight — but every gift costs you a piece of your own vision. The challenge: design UI that fades with gameplay, making the mechanic feel real.
The Challenge
In just 48 hours, we needed to create an interface that literally degrades as part of gameplay—the HUD fades as the player shares their gift of sight. The UI itself had to become the mechanic, not just represent it. Traditional game UI conventions had to be thrown out; we needed players to feel the loss viscerally through the disappearing interface elements.
The Solution
Designed a minimalist diegetic interface where every element reflects the core mechanic. HUD elements dim as player’s sight weakens. No health bars — just visual storytelling. Created atmospheric screens for intro, fail and success states that reinforce the emotional narrative without breaking immersion.
Results
The game stood out at the jam for its emotional depth and UI-narrative integration. Players reported genuinely feeling the cost of their choices through the fading interface. The project was featured in the jam’s top selections and demonstrates how interface design can be a storytelling tool, not just functional overlay.
Key Takeaways
- UI can be a game mechanic, not just an overlay—this project fundamentally changed my design philosophy
- Game jams teach you to make bold creative decisions fast and commit to them without second-guessing
- Emotional design is most powerful when the player doesn’t consciously realize the interface is manipulating their feelings
Deliverables: Game Concept, UI/UX Design, Level Design, Narrative Design
Gallery
- Main Menu (2 images)
- Level Depth (4 images)
- HUD Screens (4 images)
- Finals (2 images)