Bundle of Joy
Bundle of Joy is a short minigame compilation with contemplative narrative vignettes about parenthood, overcoming self-doubt, and self-care. Based on studio lead Nicholas O’Brien’s personal experience, Bundle of Joy is an intimate yet playful look at the struggles of facing the unknown and doing your best even when you think that isn’t enough. Set in the Spring of 2020, you play as a new father facing a series of child-rearing challenges while managing your ever-increasing stress. Change a diaper, clip baby’s nails, clean up the highchair. You gain stress as you tackle each task and depending on your “parenting skill” you might end up stressing out. But don’t worry, that’s part of the parenting process! Failing minigames due to stress doesn’t equate to losing. It’s all part of the experience. As your day progresses, you’ll get some downtime to reconnect with yourself and your partner. These moments allow you to recoup your stress as well as explore feelings of doubt, guilt, isolation, and obligation. Heavy, right?
