Exploring Psychological Depth and Personal Healing in Bugi Games’ First-Person Indie Thriller
Few indie games tackle the themes of trauma, introspection, and emotional recovery as directly as Same Room, Same Day. Developed by Bugi Games, this first-person psychological horror blends traditional FPS gameplay with intimate storytelling rooted in real therapeutic experience. We spoke with Eduard, the developer behind the project, to explore both the technical side and the deeply personal motivations that shaped the game.
Part 1: Game Design and Development
“In ‘Same Room Same Day,’ how did you innovate to keep the gameplay engaging and meaningful within the same setting throughout the game?”
– The game focuses more on a deep, personal story than on innovative gameplay. The gameplay features an FPS-style horror shooter, where players can jump, aim, shoot, and crouch. They have access to 6+ guns, solve puzzles, and complete quests.
“Can you discuss a specific puzzle or game segment that intricately represents a mental health challenge? How did you conceptualize and execute this?”
– For example, in Chapter 3, titled One Deep Feeling, the boss represents a mental health challenge. This boss has an empty belly and throws exploding heads at the player. It’s a metaphor for Rosaline’s experiences with her mother, who was harsh and overbearing, emotionally wounding Rosaline at a young age. Later, players uncover a quest revealing that Rosaline metaphorically ‘broke her heart into pieces’ to protect herself, hiding her emotions from her mother, who often overwhelmed her with words. The flying, explosive heads represent the hurtful words that deeply affected Rosaline.
“What technologies or software tools were pivotal in crafting the immersive environments and psychological elements of the game?”
– The entire game was developed using the Unity engine with URP technology. Unity is a powerful game engine that provides a wide range of tools for creating both stunning graphics and engaging gameplay.
“How do the visual and audio design of ‘Same Room Same Day’ contribute to the psychological tension and relief cycles within the game?”
– I’m not a professional sound designer, but the game’s sound design aims to immerse players in the same emotional experiences that Rosaline endured in her past.
“How do player choices impact the narrative and psychological outcomes in ‘Same Room Same Day’? Can you give an example of a critical decision point?”
– The core focus of the game is delving as deeply as possible into Rosaline’s emotions. Through this journey, she gradually achieves inner peace. This approach reflects a strategy anyone can apply in real life: being 100% honest with yourself and allowing any emotions to flow freely into your soul.
“With the release of ‘Same Room Same Day’ coming up in March, can you hint at some of the elements or features in the full game that weren’t revealed in the demo, but without giving away the full storyline? What can players look forward to experiencing?”
– The full game will offer over 2 hours of content, featuring more bosses to defeat and smarter, stronger AIs compared to those in the demo. Additionally, there will be quests that reveal Rosaline’s personal story, uncovering key moments in her life, her traumas, and the path to healing them.
Part 2: Mental Health Themes and Personal Insights
“How did you ensure cultural sensitivity and accuracy when depicting mental health issues in ‘Same Room Same Day’?”
– In ensuring cultural sensitivity and accuracy when depicting mental health issues in Same Room Same Day, I drew from my experience as a psychotherapist between 2017 and 2021, where I worked with over 200 individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Having faced similar struggles, such as depression, myself, I approached this with a deep understanding of the complexities involved. The game reflects my approach in therapy: being delicate and respectful, while also highlighting the internal struggles of the characters. This strategy was key to portraying mental health authentically and sensitively in the game.
“Can you share any research or studies that have influenced your understanding of the relationship between gaming and mental health? How have these insights been integrated into your game design for ‘Same Room Same Day’?”
– My understanding of the relationship between gaming and mental health is rooted in my personal path of self-development, as well as my experience working with others in the mental health field. This journey has influenced the way I approach mental health in Same Room Same Day, focusing on empathy, emotional depth, and authenticity.
“Can you share a personal story or pivotal moment that inspired you to focus on mental health themes in your games?”
– It’s a combination of my love for video games and my background in psychotherapy. These two passions came together, allowing me to create a game that reflects the emotional depth and mental health themes I’ve studied and worked with.
“What have been some of the most significant challenges in translating complex mental health issues into game mechanics and narratives?”
– The development process was generally challenging because I transitioned from mobile game development to PC game development, incorporating FPS shooter elements, an area in which I had no prior experience.
“How has community feedback from early demos or beta versions of ‘Same Room Same Day’ influenced the final development of the game, particularly regarding its mental health portrayals?”
– The community, especially feedback from my Reddit post, has been incredibly helpful. Many improvements were made to the gameplay, such as gun impacts, visual effects, and more, thanks to their suggestions. However, the core plot and mental health themes have remained the same from the beginning.
“Based on your experiences and the trends you see, what do you think the future holds for the representation of mental health in video games? Are there specific themes or technologies you are excited to explore in future projects?”
– In the future, I’d like to create games that go beyond metaphors and focus on the personal journey of each player. It would be a combination of a game and a therapy session, allowing players to explore their own experiences and emotions while interacting with the game.
“Many indie developers, creators, and artists often find themselves working alone, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm or isolation. From your own experience, what practices or strategies have you found effective in staying grounded and maintaining a healthy balance between your professional and personal life?”
– For me, meditation practices have been key. I meditate in the morning after waking up and before going to sleep, which helps maintain my motivation every day. If someone isn’t familiar with meditation, they could also try activities like running or street workouts. We spend a lot of time sitting, and the body isn’t meant to stay seated all week. So, don’t forget to take care of your body by staying active, and also nurture your soul with meditation—if that resonates with you, of course.
“Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to other indie developers to manage their workload effectively and ensure their well-being?”
– I’m new to indie game development, so I can’t offer advice on game development success just yet. However, in terms of self-development, body-oriented psychotherapy has been incredibly helpful for me personally. If you’re facing emotional struggles, I recommend finding a body-oriented psychotherapist in your town or city—it has the potential to really help you.
For another unique take on atmospheric world-building and distinct visual direction, check out our interview with the Anima Flux developers on their bold art style and sci-fi design philosophy.
Written by Ronny Fiksdahl, Founder & Editor of Fix Gaming Channel.
