Sleepy — Visual Horror Novella
Sleepy is a computer game based on Chekhov's story, where the plot revolves around the tragic story of a young nanny, who is forced to care for an infant in her masters' house around the clock. In the game, players will experience this dark atmosphere, feel Varka's despair, and witness her internal struggle with madness.
01
Challenge
The main challenge was to adapt a classic literary work into an emotionally impactful interactive experience, while preserving its original depth and atmosphere. The goal was to visualize the psychological effects of sleep deprivation through both visual design and gameplay, and to communicate themes of mental health without losing the tension and intensity of the horror genre.
02
Design approach
Drawing from the original story, the gameplay centers on resisting sleep — players must shake the mouse to keep Varka awake, directly engaging with her exhaustion. The visual design uses a black and white color palette, narrow corridors, and antique furniture to create a suffocating environment. As the story progresses, dark shadows and unsettling sounds increase tension and blur the line between reality and nightmare.
