A Journey to School
Producer & Game Designer
A Journey to School is a narrative puzzle game that follows two siblings, a boy and his sister, as they attempt to reach school through the difficult road conditions found in a stylized Brazilian favela. One of the siblings uses a wheelchair, adding a layer of challenge that reflects the everyday struggles faced by many people with disabilities in underdeveloped urban areas. I took creative freedom in designing the environmental puzzles, while ensuring the world remained a strong caricature of real-life obstacles faced by low-income communities in Brazil. All visual elements were crafted to authentically represent Brazilian culture, from the streets and signage to household items. The game was awarded the “A Challenge Worth Facing” prize during the Gamerella Global Game Jam 2021 for its emotional storytelling and thoughtful approach to accessibility.
Responsibilities included:
Design
All levels in A Journey to School were designed around a shared objective: guiding both siblings to the end of the level by solving collaborative, physics-based puzzles. Players can switch between the two characters at any time, using their unique abilities to assist one another. Interactions with the environment, such as operating elevators, moving boxes, and navigating terrain, require thoughtful coordination. For example, the younger brother can activate elevators to help his sister reach higher areas, while she can place objects to create accessible paths for her brother in a wheelchair. This system reinforces themes of teamwork and mutual support while offering engaging and meaningful gameplay mechanics.
Production
Managed a smooth and focused 48-hour development cycle alongside a programmer partner for the Gamerella Global Game Jam.
Organized the project backlog using Trello, setting due dates and priorities to keep the team aligned and on schedule.
Recruited and coordinated with external artists to provide character and environment assets, ensuring visual consistency with the game’s tone and theme.
Oversaw communication between external contributors and the core team to maintain a cohesive visual direction.
Designed all game levels, balancing puzzle design and narrative elements within the jam’s time constraints.
Successfully delivered the final game build within the 48-hour deadline.
Screen Shots
