The Glitch Witch
currently in development

The Glitch Witch is a retrofuture puzzle-adventure that takes place in a future devoid of functioning technology.

Rosette begins repairing ancient, broken technology in a series of circuit puzzles and is shocked to discover the mysterious power contained within. She’s thrilled about her discovery, until townspeople start accusing her of witchcraft.

Will friendship be enough to change their minds?
Or will she be forced to choose between her power and her community?

Design goal:

The Glitch Witch aims to bring more media visibility to stories of women in STEM while also broadening the types of stories told about them. To accomplish this, we decided to combine two genres that are typically separate: cozy, community focused narratives and STEM-based logical puzzle games.

Physics as Magic

Although there is no magic in the world of The Glitch Witch, people react to Rosette's electrical engineering as if that's what is is. This recontextualizes electrical engineering as a creative and powerful force instead of something that is dry and inaccessible.

Retrofuture Aesthetic

By combining retro pixel art with a 3D environment and the dynamic lighting capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, we are trying to bring a nostalgic feeling of a favorite childhood game into the modern age. The Glitch Witch is trying to push back on the stereotypes perpetuated by early games without losing the charm that those experiences so special.

Joy of Discovery

We use an open-ended puzzle design that leaves room for multiple puzzle solutions. This open possibility space encourages players to experiment with unique configurations instead of feeling like they are meant to discover the one intended answer.

Female Empowerment

Women in STEM are often portrayed as being competent but lonely, so we push back on this stereotype by having Rosette fight for the friendships she doesn't want to lose and eventually be accepted for who she is. As the story progresses, she gradually transitions from being insecure and curious to confident and capable.

The Glitch Witch *currently in development*

Design goal:

The Glitch Witch
currently in development