Under the Code

Project Overview

HOW

“Under the Code” is an interactive visual novel game designed to explore the growing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on human decision-making. The installation requires a monitor displaying the game, a keyboard and mouse for user interaction, and speakers for immersive background music and sound effects.

As the visitors make progress in the game–making decisions, solving puzzles and completing tasks–they slowly realize their choices were already subtly influenced and controlled by the game which represents artificial intelligence. This unsettling experience reflects the illusion of free will and emphasizes the themes of manipulation and loss of autonomy. The installation encourages visitors to reflect their personal experiences and reliance on technology and to question the potential risks of a heavily AI-driven world.

TIMELINE

This is the initial timeline from Week 2 to Week 20 which might change in the future.

Week 2: Basic Setup

Initial project setup and basic testing of Ren’Py (adding images, changing backgrounds, add an initial conversation and decision-making choices, changing facial expression of the character, adding animation to objects in the game, etc)
Start working on designing the character

Week 3-4: Story Structure

Develop a core story structure and narrative using Ren’Py
Work on character design and background design
Add background music and sound effects
Create initial puzzle and dialogue

Week 5: Proof of Concept

Demo functional segment of the visual novel with a puzzle and branching choices with background music and sound effects

Week 6-8: Revision

Revise story, puzzles, audio assets and design based on feedback from midterm crit.
Create pixel art for the character and background
Add more puzzles with different difficulty levels
Some puzzles should be nearly impossible to solve
Add story branches based on player’s performance (coding)
Add glitch effects to the visuals
Create additional pixel arts for different facial expressions

Week 9-10: Final

Present a complete functional prototype of “Under the Code” running in Ren’Py game with functional decision-making game novel with puzzles

Week 11: Planning and Setup

Plan installation setup (monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers) for an interactive and immersive gaming experience
Monitor will be borrowed from UCSD lab
Test the setup

Week 12-14: Debugging & User Testing

Begin user testing and gather feedback
Debug the Ren’Py game to refine story branches, transition n the AI character’s appearance

Week 15: Midterm Critique

Present a refined version of the Ren’py game with the installation setup for crit

Week 16-17: Final Revisions & User Testing

Plan installation setup (monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers) for an interactive and immersive gaming experience
Monitor will be borrowed from UCSD lab
Test the setup

Week 17-18: Final Debugging

Final debug of Ren’Py project code based on feedback and user testing
Plan how the hardware and software would work at the gallery and check if it works at the gallery

Week 19: Final

Present Final Version of the Ren’Py game “Under the Code” in Crit

Week 20: Gallery Exhibition

Conduct final testing at the gallery before visitors interact with the installation
Install game and hardware in the gallery