This 3D cross-disciplinary project is the result of a fantastic collaboration between the Games Development and Global Design teams. We've combined our talents and creativity to bring you something special.

About The Game

Dreamsturbia is a captivating 3D action-puzzle-adventure that delves into the haunting world of insomnia and the inner demons it spawns.

Step into the shoes of a protagonist tormented by traumatic memories and relentless phobias that keep sleep at bay. Plagued by nightmares stemming from a childhood marred by abuse and abandonment, she turns to a therapist for help. The therapist proposes a daring treatment: a trance-induced lucid dream where she must confront the manifestations of her deepest fears.

Story and Setting

Dreamsturbia is a journey through the fragmented psyche of a protagonist battling insomnia, trauma, and the phobias that haunt her waking and sleeping hours. The game begins with the protagonist seeking help from a therapist to confront the deep scars left by a childhood marked by abuse and abandonment. Her father’s terrifying nightly torments and her mother’s silent complicity have left her unable to find peace, even in sleep. As a last resort, the therapist proposes an unconventional treatment: inducing a trance to plunge her into a lucid dream. Within this surreal landscape, she must confront manifestations of her fears and unresolved traumas.

The Worlds

Dream World

A calming, pastel-colored oasis symbolizing the protagonist’s fleeting moments of hope and clarity. This serene environment is filled with exaggerated and surreal features like distorted statues, giant creatures, and vibrant landscapes. However, its puzzles challenge her ability to navigate the complexities of her mind.

Nightmare World

A stark contrast to the Dream World, the Nightmare World is dark, twisted, and oppressive. The terrain is cloaked in shadowy purples and blacks, with ominous forests and grotesque figures representing her deepest fears. Here, enemies—physical manifestations of her trauma—emerge to test her strength and resolve.

The Protagonist’s Goal

To finally find peace, she must:

• Solve intricate puzzles that symbolize her need to piece together her fractured memories.
• Face shadowy enemies born from her phobias, such as her fear of darkness (Nyctophobia).
• Transition between Dream and Nightmare Worlds, confronting her fears head-on to progress toward healing and a long-deserved rest.

Features

• Genre: 3D action-puzzle-adventure
• Key Mechanics:
• Visual Style: 3D Low Poly
• Game Engine: Unity
• Platform: Windows PC
• Status: Prototype

Project Contributors:

• Nuno Teixeira (Myself) (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Daniel Martins (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Miguel Leandro (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Filipa Mendes (Designer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Beatriz Fernandes (Designer)
• João Oliveira (Designer)
• José Batista (Designer)
• Kateryna Mariien (Designer)
• Rita Pinto (Designer)

Roles Overview:

• Programmer: Responsible for implementing gameplay mechanics, systems, and technical elements.
• Project Manager: Oversees project scope, deadlines, and team coordination.
• Game Designer: Develops the game's mechanics, rules, progression systems, and overall player experience, ensuring balance and engagement.
• Designer: Focused on visual assets, level creation, and overall user experience.

My Project Contributions

Game Mechanics

• Main Character Movement.
• Main Character Ability (Push and Pull)

Animations

• Main character’s animations implementation using Mixamo.

NPC

• Long Range NPC behaviour.

Audio

• Music and SFX implementation.

Particles

• Sand grains flowing by the wind in the desert implementation.
• Fireflies particles in the desert implementation.

UI

• Programmed the UI on the Menus.

Level Design

• Created the Dream World Scene.
• Created the Menu Scene.

Tools & Technologies

• Game Engine: Unity
• 3D Modeling: Blender
• Animation: Mixamo
• Project Management: Clickup
• Scripting: C#

Download Links

• Game Build
• Game Design Document
• Concept Book
• Spec Sheet
• Production Plan