Project Overview:
SourceBound is a dystopian interactive narrative that serves as a mirror to our contemporary society. Set in a future where "Beauty is everything," the project explores the profound tension between artificial aesthetic standards and the journey toward self-acceptance. By immersing players in a world where appearance dictates social worth, the experience unmasks the superficiality of modern beauty ideals and the power structures that sustain them.
Key Themes & Narrative Objectives:
- The Aging Double Standard: The core mission of the project is to challenge the societal "aging double standard." It reveals how time and aging are perceived differently across genders, highlighting the emotional and social impact of these unequal norms on identity and self-worth.
- Ethical Dilemmas & Choice: Players take on the role of a "Gatekeeper" (or similar persona) within the system, forced to make difficult decisions that question the status quo. These ethical dilemmas prompt players to reflect on how far this dystopian reality truly is from our own.
- Self-Discovery: Beyond the critique, SourceBound is a story of personification and heroism, encouraging players to look beyond imposed standards and find truth in their own image.
Experience Design & Transmedia Approach:
Developed for the Interactive Transmedia Narratives course at Politecnico di Milano, the project utilizes a multi-layered storytelling approach:
- Interactive Gameplay: Players navigate through shifts and classified files, experiencing the weight of their decisions in real-time.
- Visual Storytelling: A distinct dystopian aesthetic that contrasts the "perfection" of the elite with the hidden truths of the world.
- Social Advocacy: The project extends its impact by inviting the audience to engage with The Representation Project, a real-world community that challenges gender and age stereotypes in the media.
