Combining a resonant story and a simple way of interaction, Pilot Richard is a game that immerses the player in Richard’s life stage and encourages the player to help Richard pursue his dream.
The game is based on the real story of ground crew Richard, who dreamed of becoming a pilot but never really realized his dream. On the last day of his life, Richard sneaked into an airplane and flew the plane into the sky, using the skill he learned in a flight simulation game. After taking it for a 73-minute joy ride, Richard intentionally crashed the plane into a sparsely populated island.
As a young man, Richard Russell aspired to be a pilot and even began training for it. However, following a tragic accident involving a senior pilot trainee, his loved ones persuaded him to pursue a safer profession. Consequently, he spent many years as a ground crew member.
Upon retirement, in a moment of impulse, Richard commandeers an aircraft and later crashes it into the ocean. Miraculously, he wakes up, only to find himself in his teenage years once more. In this new timeline, Richard is determined to chase his aviation dreams. Players are tasked with guiding Russell on this renewed journey to achieve his true passion.
The game unfolds across four compelling chapters, each contributing to the intricate narrative. Chapter 0 immerses players in the final day of Richard's life, where he clandestinely boards an airplane, taking off before steering it into the sea. Upon awakening, Richard discovers an unexpected twist – he has been transported back to his teenage years.
Chapters 1 to 3 intricately delve into the pivotal three days that led Richard to relinquish his dream of becoming a pilot. Chapter 1 unfolds within the family dynamic, shedding light on the crucial moments with his parents. Chapter 2 explores a significant encounter with a girlfriend, while Chapter 3 delves into a pivotal scene with the Flight Camp Instructor. Through these chapters, players unravel the emotional complexities that shaped Richard's journey, providing a rich and engaging storytelling experience.
In this first-person perspective game, each chapter unfolds within fixed game scenes. At the chapter's outset, players find Richard in a state of reality. They navigate the scene, exploring objects that trigger mini-games, each demanding completion for progression.
During these mini-games, informative cutscenes unveil background details, providing a deeper understanding of Richard's story. Bravery Points serve as a guide, indicating the number of remaining mini-games. Once all points are collected, Richard transitions into an illusionary state.
The illusion status vividly materializes Richard's painful memories. For example, vines invade and swallow the living room and Richard’s legs are twined by vines. Within this surreal setting, players encounter Richard's thoughts, emotions, and discouraging words from individuals like his parents in Chapter 1. Players must decide whether to persevere or compromise. Following the illusionary status, the chapter concludes, offering an immersive experience.
The game, inspired by a true story, is narrative-driven. It features simple mini-games such as decoding a lock and assembling a toy. Chapter 3 introduces a vivid flight simulation scene, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Explore Richard's world beyond the main storyline with the collection mechanism. Collect items, read their stories, and store them in your bag for later review, complementing the main narrative. The monologue mechanism adds depth to Richard's character, as he provides insights about objects in scenes when Richard is idle.
Targeting audiences who appreciate easy gameplay coupled with rich narratives. The competitive games are Florence, What Remains of Edith Finch, and South of the Circle. The game is tailored for PC, and released on platforms like Steam, Itch.io, and Humble Bundle. Marketing efforts include video clips on Instagram and Twitter, YouTube trailers, AI screenshot-sharing campaigns on social media, and collaborations with game bloggers.
The production team comprises a scriptwriter, level designer, art designer, lead programmer, project manager, animator, audio designer, and programmer. This skilled ensemble ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded development process.
Pre-production: 2 weeks
Production: 10 weeks
Closing: 6 weeks
Release: 2 weeks
My passion for the airline industry allowed me to contribute significantly to Chapter 3 of the game. Drawing on my familiarity with flight details, I crafted an authentic narrative where Richard and his instructor face peril in the airplane. During the story revision, our group members discussed the motif of the game. I agree with the point that our game reflects the growth of Richard from a timid person to a determined person.
In the realm of game production, I took charge of both game features and details. Focusing on the flight experience, I incorporated elements learned from flight simulation games to enhance our project. Additionally, I designed the collection mechanism, stories behind each item, special scene objects, and Richard's monologues. The collection and its stories are rooted in my real-life experiences, modified and enriched with imaginative elements. Monologues draw inspiration from both my life and that of my friends, contributing to the vivid characterization of Richard.