You Are What They See

Event: Global Game Jam (36 Hours)

Location: Vietnam, Hanoi Site

Platform: Microsoft Windows

About

You Are What They See is a short, experimental visual novel exploring themes of social anxiety, self-identity, and the masks we wear to survive social expectations.

We built this prototype during the 36-hour Global Game Jam at the Hanoi site. The game places the player in the role of an inner voice—functioning as either reason or desperation—guiding a high school girl struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder and Facial Dysmorphia Disorder.

For the protagonist, every interaction is a burden. She must carefully construct facial expressions to please others, but over time, these artificial masks begin to replace her genuine sense of self. Your choices shape her mental state, though in this current build, the narrative drives inevitably toward deterioration.

Technologies Used

This project goes beyond standard visual novel mechanics by integrating neural networks and image processing directly into the game loop.

• Engine: Ren/Py
• Neural Network: PyTorch (Used for generating/managing dynamic visual elements)
• Image Processing: OpenCV
• Visual Effects: Modified version of the "Milk-Filter" (originally created by LucaSinUnaS) for background aesthetics.

Installation

1. Download the build archive.
2. Extract all files to a local folder.
3. Run the executable file to launch the game.

Or alternatively, download from here:

https://majoraga.itch.io/you-are-what-they-see

Note: As this is a Game Jam submission created in a limited 36-hour timeframe, please be aware that this is a specific build containing a single ending.

Credits

Concept & Narrative

Jesse Dao

Apple Mew Mew

Gameplay Developer

Stew

Art

Sherlock Walker

Original Soundtrack

Momoi

Quality Assurance & Testing

Da3p1knub