The InnerFriend unlocks the doorway to the subconscious, inviting players to conquer their childhood fears in an emotional and narrative-driven experience to save the child within from nightmares come to life. Unlike traditional horror games, The InnerFriend relies on atmosphere to create tension and tells a unique story about seeing the world through the eyes of an innocent child.
The InnerFriend is a surrealist representation of memories and fears inspired by the works of psychologist Carl Jung, the concept of katabasis — the descent into one’s own self, 80s horror pop culture staples such as Poltergeist and the filmography of Stanley Kubrick. The game explores complex emotional themes and the childhood psychology surrounding coping mechanisms to overcome traumatic experiences. The InnerFriend’s lead designer and writer Sabrina Calvo is an award-winning author and child educator.
Led by a mysterious Shadow, journey through a surreal world inspired by the psychology of childhood fears like the fear of abandonment and the fear of hospitals, which manifest themselves as nightmares. Dive into a subconscious universe to relive the Shadow’s childhood memories, collecting various artifacts to bring back to the Bedroom and slowly rebuilding it as a protective safe haven. As you journey deeper into the subconscious, the gruesome materialized beings that inhabit this world draw ever closer as they fight to protect their very existence – imagined, yet quite powerfully manifested. Can you save the inner child and decipher the mystery?
The InnerFriend will be released on Windows PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One this September 2018