During the design process of Moonbow, the emotional expression of the characters has always been my focus, and the groom’s dissolving scene is a key part of it. Through strong visual changes, I hope to intuitively show the true inner self of the character, especially the vulnerability and true self when facing pressure. The design of this scene not only increases the impact of the narrative, but also allows players to feel the inner world of the character more deeply.
Dissolving design: from secret photos to true inner self
This scene is triggered by the player’s actions-when the player grabs and uncovers the hidden secret photo, the “perfect” veil of the wedding begins to tear. The photo symbolizes the part of the groom Xiao Zhang that has been hiding, and it is a deep secret of his. The moment the player discovers and grabs this photo, the truth is no longer covered up.
As the secret is revealed, the groom’s face begins to dissolve, and the dessert-like shell gradually melts, revealing the colorful rainbow inside. This visual transformation is a concrete expression of Xiao Zhang’s true inner self. The appearance of the rainbow symbolizes Xiao Zhang’s recognition of his own sexual orientation and his deep desire for freedom and love. It also represents the character’s struggle in this arranged marriage and his desire for his true self.
The symbolism of the dissolving effect
When designing this dissolving scene, my goal was to make the process appear painful and beautiful – the moment of dissolving is both a peeling and a rebirth. On the surface, the appearance of Xiao Zhang’s dessert gradually melts away, which is the shell he is forced to disguise in the face of family and social pressure. The rainbow after the dissolution is a symbol of his liberation from the shackles. This visual effect is full of tension and conflict, while also narrating the character’s complex struggle and desire.
The dissolving process also hints at his inner fragility. This transformation is not a fierce struggle, but more like a natural leakage, the revelation of his true emotions that can no longer be hidden. In such a wedding, he can no longer play the role of “perfect groom”, and his true self is completely exposed to everyone at this moment.
The combination of emotion and player experience
For players, this design has a very strong emotional impact. When players pick up the secret photo, they are not only uncovering Xiao Zhang’s secret, but also challenging the appearance of the entire wedding. This action directly leads to the dissolution of the character, as if the player’s hand has shaken the hidden cornerstone. Players can intuitively feel Xiao Zhang’s helplessness and relief at that moment, and this feeling is conveyed through a combination of visual effects and narrative.
The interior design of the rainbow is intended to remind players that Xiao Zhang’s story is not just his own, but also represents the experience of countless people who are forced to hide their true selves. Through this scene, I hope that players can empathize with Xiao Zhang and recognize the dilemma and struggle he faces.
From dissolution to awakening: the thinking behind the design
This design is not only to enhance the visual impact of the game, but also to more deeply portray the struggle and courage of the character in the face of identity. Dissolution is a painful process, but the rainbow that appears after the dissolution is beautiful and full of hope. This scene is not only a display of the groom’s self-revelation, but also a response to the real emotions and family pressures hidden in marriage.
The ending does not provide players with a clear solution, but allows them to think and feel in the emotional vortex after Xiao Zhang’s dissolution. This unfinished emotional expression may make people feel uneasy, but this is exactly what I hope to convey – identity recognition and emotional catharsis are not smooth sailing, but are full of challenges and an unknown future.