A Space for the Unbound

Bibliographic Information:

Title: A Space for the Unbound

Developer: Mojiken

Publisher: Chorus Worldwide Games & Toge Productions

Copyright Date: January 2023

Platforms: Nintendo Switch/ Playstation/ PC/ Xbox

Format: Video Game

Genre: Adventure/ Drama/ Puzzle/ Action/ Fantasy/ Single-player/ Neurotransmittal Atypicality

Awards:

Indonesia Game Awards 2023: Best Visual Arts award, the Best PC/Console Game award, and overall Game of the Year

Rating: T for Teen

Game Summary:

A Space for the Unbound is about Atma and Raya as they navigate attempting to save the world from a cosmic disaster. Amidst the world ending Atma and Raya are completing their later years of high-school. In order to heal the world around them Atma and Raya use their supernatural gifts to help solve the dilemmas of the people they encounter, while discovering more about themselves.

Set in Indonesia during the 90s, this game focuses on identifying and coping with mental health and obstacles of everyday life in a fantastical and honest way.

Developer Background:

"Mojiken Studio is an indie game developer studio based in Surabaya, Indonesia. Our team is composed of passionate people who believe that fun games can bring a positive impact on our lives. Our goal as a game development company is to create video games that push the boundaries with seriously fun craftsmanship to deliver an unforgettable experience" (Mojiken Studios, n.d.). Some other games that Mojiken Studio have developed are When the Light was Around, Divination, and She and the Light Bearer.

Critical Evaluation:

With such grace this game handles some very difficult themes. In cute and sweet animation A Space for the Unbound covers depression, anxiety, suicide, family trauma, and other real world dilemmas. I really enjoyed this game, even the epilogue got my eyes all steamy. Each main character is lovable, complex, and you become quickly attached. The animation is a bit rudimentary looking but it is designed to look that way to fit the 90's feel! The colors are vivid and beautiful! The soundtrack is calming and creates a cozy atmosphere, one needed when dealing with such heavy topics. The game is easy to understand and play, I did get a little confused navigating the world but that could get easier with time. I think this is an important game, while I understand that not all games can focus on what this game hopes to accomplish, more games should at least try. The themes in A Space for the Unbound helps teens with empathy, compassion, togetherness, and dealing with and identifying mental health needs. This is a game I will definitely finish!

Creative Use for Library Program:

Animal Shelter Outreach Program- Librarian and Teen Advisory Group (TAG) reach out to local animal shelters to coordinate an event at the library. TAG designs a variety of stickers and bookmarks that include kind words, inspirational messages as well as an advertisement for the animal shelter event. At the animal shelter event library patrons can adopt cats, dogs, and other pets along with visiting an information booth about registering a pet as an emotional support animal.

Speed Round Trailer:

A Space for the Unbound includes retro styled games and a storyline that sucks you into the pixels. Follow Atma and Raya as they traverse their community using magical powers to help solve the lives of others in order to save the world from cosmic destruction. This game is perfect with a cup of tea under a blanket, but make sure you don't forget the tissue box!

Potential Challenge and Defense Preparation:

The beginning of this game includes a note explaining the themes of depression, anxiety, suicide, abuse, and violence. in the game and suggests to seek professional help if necessary. Because of these themes, this game may not be accessible for those who may feel triggered. Despite this, these topics are taken seriously and with grace encouraging healthy ways of managing or seeking help.

Reason for Inclusion:

I am including A Space for the Unbound because it is unique and covers themes most video games don't even come close acknowledging. Teens like many adults struggle with mental health. This game begins to start conversations about the importance of discussing and managing mental health. In addition this game encourages and develops social skills such as empathy and compassion. Plus its just so dang cute and cozy!

Check Out:

The following are some fun games produced by Toge Production

References:

Bashir, D. (2023, October). Mojiken Studio Wins Big at Indonesia Game Awards 2023 with A Space for the Unbound. IGN. https://sea.ign.com/igdx/207526/news/mojiken-studio-wins-big-at-indonesia-game-awards-2023-with-a-space-for-the-unbound

IMDb. (n.d.). A Space for the Unbound [Photo}. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23641256/?ref_=ttmi_ov

Metacritic. (n.d.). When The Past Was Around [Photo]. Accessed June 2024 from https://www.metacritic.com/game/when-the-past-was-around/

Mojiken Studio. (2023, January). A Space for the Unbound Launch Trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/L08ZBQswnus?feature=shared

Mojiken Studio. (n.d.). Accessed June 2024 from https://mojikenstudio.com/#:~:text=Mojiken%20Studio%20is%20an%20indie,Additional%20Writing

Nintendo. (n.d.). A Space for the Unbound. Accessed June 2024 https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-space-for-the-unbound-switch/

Play Station Store. (n.d.). Coffee Talk [Photo]. Accessed June 2024 from https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/234471

Toge Production. (n.d.). A Space for the Unbound. Accessed June 2024 from

https://www.togeproductions.com/project/a-space-for-the-unbound/

Toge Production. (2019, January). Lose Yourself in the Endearing World of She and The Light Bearer [Photo]. https://www.togeproductions.com/lose-yourself-in-the-endearing-world-of-she-and-the-light-bearer/