Finding hannah: A New Approach to Hidden Object Games Rooted in History and Accessibility
Fein Games’ Finding Hannah isn’t just another hidden-object game.It’s a meticulously crafted experience, blending compelling narrative with innovative art direction and a purposeful focus on accessibility. This Apple Design Award finalist demonstrates how stepping away from established gaming conventions can unlock a broader audience and deliver a truly unique experience. Let’s delve into the design beliefs behind this captivating title.
A Story Spanning Generations
Finding Hannah follows the journey of Hannah,a young woman unraveling the mysteries of her family’s past. The game unfolds across pivotal moments in 20th-century history, from the roaring twenties to the aftermath of World War II. This historical backdrop isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s integral to the emotional core of the game.
The narrative was shaped by Rebecca Harwick, a berlin-based author with a strong track record in narrative design, including work on June’s journey, Switchcraft, and The Elder Scrolls Online. Her expertise ensured a story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
Embracing Outsider Perspectives: A Strength in design
The team at Fein Games intentionally sought diverse perspectives. Co-founder and co-CEO Lea Schönfelder initially felt out of step with her more gaming-literate colleagues. However, this perceived weakness proved to be a significant advantage.
“Players don’t always play your game like you intended,” Schönfelder explains. Her focus on accessibility and a smooth user experience stemmed from a desire to connect with players who might not be seasoned gamers. This empathetic approach is a cornerstone of Finding Hannah’s success.
art That Breaks the mold
To truly stand out, Fein Games deliberately avoided established gaming art styles. They wanted to attract players new to the genre.This led them to Elena Resko, a Russian-born artist based in Berlin who had never previously worked on a game.
Resko’s distinctive style, developed over a decade, became the visual language of Finding Hannah. This pre-existing artistic vision resulted in a level of polish and sophistication rarely seen in the hidden-object genre. The result is a visually stunning game that feels fresh and inviting.
One particularly poignant scene – Hannah’s grandmother relaxing with friends on a rooftop – was directly inspired by Schönfelder’s own grandmother’s experiences. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the game’s historical setting.
Reinventing… or Refining? The Power of Proven Mechanics
while innovation is frequently enough prized in game development, Fein Games made a strategic decision to embrace a proven mechanic: hidden-object gameplay.
“When creating games, you usually want to invent a new mechanic, right?” Schönfelder notes. “But Finding Hannah is for a more casual audience. And it’s been proven that the hidden-object mechanic works.”
This pragmatic approach allowed the team to focus on refining the experience, rather than risking alienating players with unfamiliar mechanics. The merge gameplay adds another layer of engagement, providing a satisfying sense of progression.
Key Takeaways: Designing for a Wider Audience
Finding Hannah offers valuable lessons for game developers:
* Embrace diverse perspectives: Don’t underestimate the value of team members with backgrounds outside of customary gaming.
* Prioritize accessibility: design with a broad audience in mind, focusing on ease of use and intuitive gameplay.
* Don’t be afraid to refine, not reinvent: Proven mechanics can be powerful tools, especially for casual audiences.
* Authenticity matters: Drawing inspiration from personal experiences can add depth and emotional resonance.
Finding Hannah is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design and a commitment to creating experiences that resonate with a wider audience.
Learn more about Finding Hannah: https://www.fein.games
Download Finding Hannah from the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/finding-hannah/id1617252957
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