Step into the shadows of Jazz Age New York and discover how Victims Matter, Episode 0: The Elwell Enigma came to life: a game designed to bring historical empathy, interactive storytelling, and authentic investigation to true crime fans and gamers alike.
Origin and Vision
The idea for Victims Matter was sparked by the unsolved murder of Joseph Bowne Elwell, a charismatic bridge master whose death rocked New York society in the 1920s. This case offered the perfect canvas to blend immersive Art Deco artistry, period jazz, and real historical documents, elevating the experience beyond just another whodunit. Rather than sensationalizing tragedy, the mission was to create a respectful, empathy-driven journey that gives voice to the forgotten and explores the moral ambiguities of unsolved crime.
The Creative Blueprint
From the beginning, the core design was locked around several key principles:
Palette and Style: Gold and black Art Deco visuals, with silent animated cutscenes and authentic jazz music set the period ambiance.
Platform and Tools: Created in Twine using the SugarCube framework, enabling nonlinear storytelling, interactive NPCs, and AI-powered investigation.
Immersion and Engagement: Every panel, from atmospheric cityscapes to evidence boards, was shaped to maximize replayability and player agency.
Development Process
Crafting the game began with deep dives into primary sources: old newspapers, court files, and period photography, all used to ground the story in factual detail. The build moved quickly from research and concept art to coding and playtesting, with milestones set for narrative beats and gameplay mechanics. To foster both critical thinking and accessibility, the UI was intentionally minimalist, inviting gamers and non-gamers alike to participate without friction.
Innovative Mechanics
Key features include:
AI-Driven Interrogations: Players ask NPCs questions, unlocking clues at their own pace.
Interactive Evidence Board: Allows visual collection and connection of clues, mimicking a real detective’s thought process.
Empathy-First Choices: Every decision shapes not only the investigation but the stories and legacies of characters involved.
Replayability: Multiple endings, achievements, and unlockables encourage players to experiment and uncover all facets of the mystery.
Authenticity and Respect
Crucially, Victims Matter leverages authentic public domain materials (e.g., Library of Congress newspaper clippings, historic photographs) to build credibility and immerse players in the real-life atmosphere of the case. The game also features a fictional curator, Birch, who guides players thoughtfully through archival evidence, always reminding them of the true impact of violence on individuals and society.
The Road to Release
Building and playtesting Episode 0 took about three months, with an extra focus on feedback loops, accessibility, and stylistic polish. Preparing for release involved assembling marketing materials, press kits, and pitch decks, all reflecting the game’s signature blend of style and substance.
