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Climate Change Mapping
The differences between the world in the past and the future show the decline in ice levels; this is caused by climate change. The levels are built around ice melting, causing the layout to change between the past and the future.
The world backgrounds further exemplify the effects which climate change has had on the Arctic region between the two time periods. However, the changes here are more subtle to ensure the game remains realistic and relatable to the young audience; if a more drastic change were made then the young children playing the game may not understand the connection to climate change.
Through internal monologue, Wilbur explicitly comments that he "does not remember seeing the melted ice spikes" in the future view of one of the tutorial levels. This causes the player to notice the small detail differences between the two worlds, and thus reflect on the terrain differences climate change causes.
TODO: Something about the water level here
There are ice blocks in the past that do not appear in the future. These are brittle and break when stepped on, showing how melting ice has made the Arctic a more hazardous environment. In the future, these have melted and do not appear anymore.
This makes the navigation through the levels much more difficult for Wilbur in the future as it exposes a number of obstacles which were not initially present. This highlights the effects which melting ice and rising water levels has on the animals of these regions (it physically alters the hibernation and feeding routes which these animals have to make).
The increased number of hazards, such as ice spikes, makes the future world a much more dangerous place, and increases the difficulty of traversing many regions. As a result, many areas which were previously suitable as a habitat are no longer suitable.
TODO: Whatever Wilbur and Simon talk about - probably about finding new habitat
There are subtle changes in the decorations in between the past and the future. In the past, the general environment appears more pleasant, with flowers and brighter tiles.However,the future is shown to be more barren, with different vegetation caused by the effect climate change has on vegetation. Iris also comments on how she can find berries in the past.There are berry bushes that decorate the world only in the past.
TODO: Whatever Wilbur and Iris talk about - probably about finding food
TODO: Whatever Wilbur and Willie talk about - probably about ocean acidification, warming water, the effect on fish life
Subtle comments are made regarding the difference in climate between the past and the future. Iris makes a comment on how her pelt keeps her warm in winter. Wilbur and Iris both comment on how it feels warmer in the future.
The background is different between the past and the future. The future is designed to appear bleaker, such as the colors being dark and muted.The snow is more grey due to smog and pollution.
The design of the characters also reflects this issue. In the past, Wilbur and Iris wear scarfs as symbolism for the cold, whereas in the future Wilbur is wearing summer clothing (shorts) as it is now much warmer.
The time travel mechanic highlights the relationship between climate change and time. It shows the player how actions now have impacts in the future. Wilbur’s actions, as a child, impacts his adulthood. This allows him to get around obstacles in the future. This gives a hopeful message to the young audience that actions addressing climate change now will have a positive impact in the future.
Furthermore, as Wilbur is a cub in the past, the younger players will tend to relate more with this character (because they are of a similar age). Therefore, making actions in response to climate change as cub Wilbur may make the players question their own climate change related beliefs and actions.
- General
- Design
- Prototype
- Final Submission