Project Title: Duo Teikoku

Preferred Name: Jake Knott

Course Name: MA Game Design

Highlighted work: To Be a Frog azur64.itch.io/to-be-a-frog

Social Link: linktr.ee/azur64

Project Summary:

Duo Teikoku Valley Pilgrimage is a continuation of a concept established in Jake’s bachelors degree final project and his research paper on gated exploration. It is set in a dark fantasy world where two omnipotent empires have collided at an abyssal chasm. In this iteration, the player follows the journey of an old sage traversing the chasm to escape the clutches of these empires. The gameplay focuses on non-linear gated exploration akin to Dark Souls, Metroid, and Resident Evil, and utilises a retro PlayStation aesthetic with pre-rendered backgrounds akin to Final Fantasy VII.

Personal Introduction:

I have a wide array of skills at every level of game development, including coding, 3D modelling, and general game design and directing. I specialise in retro styling and exploration design as studied in my dissertations. I am particularly inspired by games with rich exploration like Zelda Breath of the Wild, Final Fantasy VII, Elden Ring, and Outer Wilds. I also have a personal love for music, travelling, history, nature, and animals, which is a key influence throughout my work.