The Layers of They Came From Below

Synopsis

The Layers of They Came From Below is a discussion paper in which I apply the layers of interactivity to the DLC They Came From Below based on the video game We Happy Few. The layers of interactivity are a way for designers to describe the components of games that create meaningful play; they include the sensory layer, the information layer, the interaction layer, the frame layer, and the purpose layer. I choose to write about They Came From Below not only due to the stark difference from the main game in terms of looks (sensory) but also because of the frame that the game takes. At least to me, the game feels as though it is framed as a commentary on the history of the LGBTQ+ community concerning conversion therapy and the never-ending battle to end it. This is a topic not commonly discussed in society and They Came From Below approaches the concept in a relatable way that focuses on both the good and bad side of history without stigmatizing it.