Research into the UnderStory's narrative began in January 2021. The game is based on the findings of Dr. Susan Kalisz, head of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. Game development began in June of 2021, as my cohort and I studied different game designs and mechanics. In August of 2021, I worked under Cary Staples (a Graphic Design Professor and Game Developer) as we fleshed the game out further. I had the privilege of illustrating all the elements of the game. After going through several iterations of styles (like Inuit art and cut paper style), we finally settled on a scientific illustrative approach.
Although I am sharing this project, it is not quite done yet. We are in the process of printing and will be sending it off for playtesting in very early 2022. I am working on packaging, instructions, and other elements, and I will share them as things progress.
Game Set Up
Left: Tiles Unflipped, Right: Tiles Flipped
Trillium Life Cycle Board
Forest Floor Tiles
From Left to Right: Front, Soil, Rock, Fallen Tree, Dead Animal
Environment Cards
Wind Direction Cards
