“What if I created a video game that helps people overcome their anxiety?”
-Seraphina Zweifel, 2020
Joizo
Many of my ideas come in random moments. The question of “how?” encouraged me to dig deeper into my idea. I called a librarian, opened a Google Doc, and started researching the possibilities.
Joizo was created for my Design and Visual Communication 2 course and DVC Senior Entrepreneurship Showcase. The professor prompted a semester-long challenge of developing a solution that helps foster healthier cities. A city can not truly be healthy if the individuals are not. Knowing those who struggle from anxiety, I understand the importance of mental health when establishing a healthy lifestyle. I designed a video game that answered my question months before the showcase. Not only that, but I figured out how.
How the Game Works
The name derives from two words combined together, joy and zoo. I chose the two words based on their relation to the game. I want players to overcome anxiety and provide joy into their lives. The mind is often referred to as a “zoo,” when thoughts run wild. The game also features animal characters. I chose animals in order to bring comfort to the viewer. Each animal follows a different monochromatic color scheme to contrast with the main antagonist. The colors also keep the user engaged with the storyline. Players play as the character Joizo, a lost human captured by Akuji, an evil cobra. With the help of his friend Ozo, he learns how to cope with different aspects of anxiety. Each level has its own character that specializes in a type of anxiety, from PTSD to OCD. The game induces low level anxiety triggers to teach the player how to work through them. The game provides a safe space for analyzing anxious habits. The distance from reality prevents the viewer from having serious reactions, such as panic attacks.
The Commercial
Promo Poster & Fan Art
Level 1 Prototype
For the project, I developed the coding for the first level of the game. The first level contains basic frustrations to overcome in order to find Ozo at the end.
Can you beat Level 1?
Persona Cards
Infographic
DVC Pitch Competition Winner
The brand was a success at the showcase. Viewers enjoyed playing my prototype of level one. Designers contacted me, saying they appreciated my design process and final branding. I won the DVC Pitch Competition that year, based on my sales pitch video. By creating Joizo, I learned how to tackle a difficult subject in order to help others through design.