​Ideas​

Seeing Unseen, Hearing Unheard

“Tune” is a data-driven, interactive web-based game that aims to shed light on the often-overlooked impact of conflict zones on wildlife. While many narratives around conflict focus exclusively on human suffering, “Tune” shifts the perspective to include the silent victims—the animals that inhabit these areas. The project seeks to broaden public awareness and deepen empathy by blending real data, immersive sound design, and dynamic visuals into an engaging experience.

At its core, “Tune” explores the concept of “seeing the unseen and hearing the unheard.” Through interactive mechanics, it does not only informs but also creates an emotional journey for the player, encouraging them to actively uncover and engage with the untold stories of animals affected by conflict.

Mechanics and Development

Data with Narrative

Light as Awareness: In “Tune,” players move a light source to illuminate hidden events and untold stories, using light as a metaphor for awareness. By guiding the light, players bring to the surface the traces of animals affected by conflict, shedding light on narratives often overshadowed by human-centered perspectives. It’s an act of revealing, making the invisible visible and urging players to confront the stories that are too easily overlooked.

Tuning as Deep Listening: The act of tuning sound frequencies in the game mirrors the process of listening closely, beyond the obvious. As players adjust the audio, they filter through the loud, dominant sounds and tune into the subtle, often unheard noises that reflect the distress, movement, and presence of animals in conflict zones. This process of active listening becomes an empathetic act, urging players to notice voices usually lost in the noise, and fostering a deeper connection to the unseen consequences of conflict.

Uncovering Hidden Truths: By blending light and sound, “Tune” takes players on a journey of discovery. The experience of tuning into sound gradually unveils the reality of events that have taken place, allowing players to piece together fragmented stories and give voice to silenced narratives. It’s a process of uncovering, where players are not just observers but active participants in bringing hidden truths to light, reflecting on the often-ignored impacts of war on the natural world.

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We are currently in the research and prototyping phase of “Tune.” This stage involves deep exploration and experimentation with light and sound mechanics. We are actively seeking opportunities for dialogue with scholars, activists, and artists who are immersed in the subject of animals in conflict zones. These conversations are vital, as they inform the development process and help us create a meaningful and resonant experience. 

In addition to gathering objective data, we plan to incorporate first-hand narratives from individuals who have directly encountered or cared for animals affected by war. These interviews will serve as a valuable data source, providing detailed insights and unique observations that enrich our understanding of the experiences of non-human victims. By treating these narratives as a vital component of our research, we aim to bridge quantitative data with qualitative, lived experiences.