Permanent Transition

Permanent Transition explores the seemingly endless cycle of depression and escapism using the language of video games. With the cursor as one's controller, the viewer navigates a maze of cyclical choices detailing one's hopes and fears while stuck in the in-between. Upon completion, a new game plus mode unlocks and reveals a hidden layer available in another playthrough. Inspired by text-only interactive fiction, Permanent Transition gives the viewer agency and allows them to be active participants in this emotional exploration.

The gamification of my depression served two purposes. First, it was a means to process how video games were a double-edged sword of comfort and escapism. Second, it provided a method to share my experience with others. The application of game elements to non-game contexts allows us to see how we as players and people engage and understand our environment. The viewer is invited to experience another world that may be surprisingly similar to their own.

Permanent Transition, Hypertext-based Game, 2021-2024

Controls: This piece is meant to be played on a computer with a cursor to experience all the text interactions as intended, but mobile should be fine.

CW/TW: If not already clear, the content can get quite heavy/dark, so proceed as carefully as needed.

The Wrong Biennale: Server of Flesh

For the Server of Flesh in The Wrong Biennale, I had the opportunity to recreate Permanent Transition, a 2D hypertext-based game, for a 3D space. The challenge allowed me to experiment with different elements and explore a new dynamic with the audience. While the game elements may vary, both versions of Permanent Transition retain the same vision: Permanent Transition explores the seemingly endless cycle of depression and escapism using the language of video games.

Server of Flesh Online Pavilion hosted via Spatial.io

The Wrong Biennale: Main Website | Server of Flesh