Left Out

Platform: PC
Technology: Unity, C#, Blender, Maya, Photoshop
Development: 4 months

Master Thesis, 2025
Focus on gameplay mechanics, interactions and storytelling.
Awarded with the Ostfalia Media Price for Master Projects.

Left Out is a video game controlled through Leap Motion hand tracking that conveys the experience of left-handedness in a world shaped by right-handed norms. Players move the character solely through real hand movements and solve tasks using deliberate gestures. In this demo version of the game, historical backgrounds of handedness and societal expectations are indirectly reflected within a fictional world, while existing right-handed design norms and the resulting invisible discrimination are brought to light. Through deliberately irritating interactions and unconventional controls, profound storytelling and specific level design the game creates a new awareness of one’s own handedness and draws attention to how everyday design standards can subtly disadvantage people.

This game is still work in progress

Level 1

This level addresses a basic perception pattern in games, where the right side is usually associated with progress. In this case, however, the right side is not treated as the goal:
While approaching, the door closes and players have to turn back in order to advance.

The next part of the first level is intended to address the confrontation with objects that are oriented towards only a specific handedness. The mixed control scheme and level design further illustrate how design standards can force a certain way of operating, sometimes resulting in uncomfortable interactions.

Level 2

Level 2 represents society and the history of left-handedness, which has often been accompanied by discrimination and a lack of acceptance. Due to the social pressure, people frequently exert on one another, there is often no choice but to adapt.
The character is thus indirectly forced to conform to the right side. Although she tries to remain true to herself, she must turn back and reluctantly adapt to right-handed norms in order to be accepted.

Level 3

Due to rigid societal structures, people are often forced to adapt, even if they wish to resist. This level emphasizes this issue, while also presenting topics of self-reflection and acceptance.

Additional work
Idea sketches and Behind The Scenes in Unity, Font Ideas, Icons, Logo Ideas, UI drafts (menu, settings, dialogue), Character designs,
Posters, Thesis and Documentation mockups

Interested in reading my master’s thesis or a more detailed documentation of this project?
Feel free to contact me! :)