Theme: Conflict
Sub-Themes: External & Internal Conflict, Self-Acceptance, Sacrifices, Cultural Expectations & Belonging
Target Audience (Bartle’s Taxonomy): Achievers & Explorers
My Name is Not Alice is a Visual Novel game that tells the story of a young exchange student’s life in a foreign country. Players take on the role of this student as she struggles with her identity, torn between fitting in with her new environment and staying true to her roots.
Through choices, players gain insight into the protagonist’s internal and external conflicts as she tries to deal with the pressure to conform with her desire to embrace her authentic self. As players progress, they’ll deal more and more with social challenges she’ll face in her day-to-day life. From deciding how to present herself in social situations, to fit into groups, managing microaggressions and misunderstandings, every choice shapes her journey of self-discovery.
The game uses choices to immerse players in the protagonist’s day-to-day struggles. For example, when faced with a classmate who mispronounces her name, the protagonist can choose to correct them or let it slide. Each choice impacts how others perceive her, how her relationships develop and how confident she feels in her identity. In addition, some of these choices will be key narrative junctures which will give players pause, really making them think about what route/choice to make and how it may affect the protagonist and by extension, the story.
As the game continues, players will face increasingly challenging decisions, earning varying amounts of ‘IP’ that is added to the ‘Confidence Meter’. Initially, EXP seems like it tracks personal growth, but later, its true purpose is revealed: Higher IP shows a willingness to compromise your identity to fit in, while lower IP shows confidence in staying authentic. This twist reframes earlier choices, leading to multiple endings.
Prologue: The protagonist arrives in the foreign country, filled with excitement and nerves. The early gameplay introduces her initial efforts to fit in straightening her hair, fixing her accent and downplaying her culture.
Mid-Game: During her school life arc, she faces microaggressions, cultural misunderstandings and moments of alienation. At the same time, she begins to reconnect with her cultural identity through interactions with other exchange students, conversations with family back home and memories tied to her belongings.
Climactic Moments: The protagonist is faced with moments where she must stand up for herself or conform further, challenging her growth and self-acceptance.
Ending: Multiple endings reflect the protagonist’s journey. Has she embraced her true self, continued to sacrifice parts of herself for acceptance, or found a balance between the two?
Personal Motivation: The protagonist wants to thrive in her new environment while staying connected to her cultural roots. But can she really achieve both?