Expression Evolution
A Futuristic Emotion-Simulation Game
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Interactive Journey & Immersive Emotion-Simulation Experience
Solo project | 2023
Tools: Unity, Maya, Adobe After Effects, Midjourney.
Dive into "Expression Evolution," where a party's subtle elegance and a dance's raw energy become stages to explore the dissonance between appearance and emotion. My game takes you on a journey to uncover the hidden layers beneath NPCs' expressions, challenging the societal need for crafted facades. Through the lens of RBF, we question the authenticity of our social masks. What unfolds is a vision of the future where our faces need no disguise, leading to a profound encounter with the core of human expression in a world that has moved beyond pretense to embrace the real.
研究“表达进化”，派对的优雅和舞蹈的能量成为探索外表与情感之间不和谐的舞台。 我的游戏将带您踏上一段揭开 NPC 表情之下隐藏层的旅程，挑战社会对精雕细琢的外观的需求。 通过 RBF 的镜头，我们质疑我们社交面具的真实性。 展现的是未来的愿景，我们的面孔无需伪装，在一个超越伪装、拥抱真实的世界中，与人类表达的核心产生深刻的邂逅。
1-Min Highlight Reel
2.5-Min Full Video
Inspiration
My Resting Bitch Face (RBF) has always been a curious conversation starter, often prompting misunderstandings of my disposition as sullen or disengaged. Queries such as "Are you okay?" were common, yet, paradoxically, this expression sometimes cast a veneer of sternness, offering a peculiar edge in various scenarios. This duality sparked my interest in the social perceptions of our expressions. It made me question the evolution of such norms, particularly in our increasingly digital existence. These musings led to the creation of "Expression Evolution"—not merely a game but a deeper probe into the unwritten rules governing our expressions. It stands as both a critique of present-day conventions and an exploration of a future where we are liberated from the expectation that our emotions be etched on our faces.
我的冷漠表情（Resting Bitch Face, RBF）总是能引发别人的好奇，常常导致别人误解我是不高兴或者不感兴趣。"你还好吗?"这样的问题对我来说再平常不过，但奇怪的是，这种表情有时候反而会让我在某些场合显得格外有威严。这种表情背后的双重社会效应引起了我的兴趣，让我开始思考这些社会规范的演变，尤其是在我们数字化日益加深的今天。这番思索促成了我创作"表情进化"这个项目，这不只是一个游戏，更深入探讨了我们表情背后不为人知的规则。它同时批判现代的常规惯例，并探索了一个可能的未来，在那里我们不再被期望把情绪全写在脸上。
MindMap and Insights
思维导图和见解
Response to Social Overload
对社会超负荷的反应
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In a world inundated with the demand for constant cheerfulness and sociability, RBF could be an evolutionary response allowing individuals to establish boundaries. With so many social interactions, both online and in real life, a resting face that doesn't always invite conversation can be a protective mechanism.
在一个对持续保持愉快和社交能力有着极高要求的世界里，冷漠表情（Resting Bitch Face, RBF）可能是人们进化出来用于设定个人界限的一种方式。在线上线下社交互动频繁的今天，一张不总是邀请他人交谈的面孔，可以成为一种保护机制。
Non-verbal Communication
非口头交流
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As society evolves, so does our need for diverse forms of communication. RBF could be part of our non-verbal vocabulary, conveying seriousness, independence, or simply a lack of interest in engaging—which can be necessary in certain social situations.
随着社会的发展，我们对于多样化的沟通方式的需求也在不断演变。冷漠表情（RBF）可能成为我们非语言词汇的一部分，它传达了严肃、独立，或者简单地表现出不愿意参与交流的态度——这在某些社交场合是必需的。
Psychological Well-being
心理健康
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Maintaining a constant appearance of happiness can be mentally exhausting. The prevalence of RBF could signal an evolutionary shift towards prioritizing one's mental health, by not feeling compelled to exhibit socially acceptable emotions constantly.
一直保持快乐的外表可能会让人精神疲惫。冷漠脸（Resting Bitch Face, RBF）的普遍性可能标志着一个进化的转变：人们不再觉得有必要不断展现出社会上可接受的情绪，而是更加重视自己的心理健康。
Social Strategy
社会策略
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RBF can provide an advantage in social situations where it's beneficial to keep one's emotions private. It allows for a poker face in negotiations or in competitive scenarios, aligning with the evolution of strategic social interactions.
RBF在需要隐藏情绪的社交场合中可以变成一种优势。它让人在谈判或竞争场合中保持着一副“扑克脸”，这与策略性社交互动的发展不谋而合。
Cultural Reflection
文化反映
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The emergence of RBF as a recognized expression reflects cultural changes. It aligns with the societal trend of embracing more complex and varied emotional states beyond just happiness or approachability.
RBF作为一种公认的表情的出现反映了文化的变迁。它符合社会趋势，即接受更复杂和多样化的情感状态，而不仅仅是快乐或友善。
Exploring RBF: An Evolutionary Perspective
My project try to use a fresh angle to think Resting Bitch Face (RBF), proposing that it’s not just an unintentional expression but a sign of societal evolution. Traditionally, facial expressions served as clear signals—a smile meant friendliness; a neutral expression suggested control. But today, as we face constant pressure to maintain a cheerful facade, RBF stands out as a plea for realness amidst the pretense.
Envision a world where we aren't obliged to present a contented front. Here, RBF isn't a flaw or an indicator of mood—it's a marker of evolution. It points to a shift in societal values from pleasing appearances to true emotional expression. RBF becomes a symbol of self-expression and personal sovereignty, reflecting our journey towards a culture that honors authenticity as we navigate through the dynamics of a rapidly changing society.
探索冷漠脸：一种进化的视角
我的项目试图从一个新的角度去理解所谓的“冷漠脸”（Resting Bitch Face, RBF），提出它不仅仅是一个无意的表情，更是社会进化的标志。传统上，面部表情是情绪的直接信号——微笑代表友好；中性表情则意味着掌控。但在当今社会，我们面临着不断维持愉快外表的压力，RBF凸显出在伪装中寻求真实的渴望。
想象一个我们不必强颜欢笑的世界。在这里，RBF不是缺陷，也不是情绪的指示器——它是进化的标志。它标志着社会价值观从追求讨好的外表转向真实情感表达的转变。RBF成为自我表达和个人主权的象征，反映了我们在快速变化的社会动态中，走向尊重真实性的文化之旅。
Working process
Working process
Emotional Layers: A Game Exploration
In the game, players start in 2023, moving through social settings like upscale banquets and lively dance parties. By interacting with NPCs, players uncover surface emotions, contrasting with the character's deeper feelings, underscoring the gap between external perception and inner sentiment. However, the narrative soon shifts, revealing a futuristic setting where these experiences are simulations. In this world, emotions are tangible commodities, traded and treasured. The journey ends in a room designed for introspection, prompting players to reconsider how we perceive and value genuine emotional expression.
情感层次：一场游戏探索
在这款游戏中，玩家从2023年开始，穿梭于各种社交场合，如高档宴会和热闹的舞会。通过与NPC互动，玩家揭示出表层情绪，这与角色更深层的感受形成对比，突出了外在印象与内心情感之间的鸿沟。然而，叙事很快转变，揭示了一个未来世界，其中这些经历都是模拟的。在这个世界里，情感变成了可以交易和珍视的有形商品。旅程最终在一个为反思而设计的房间结束，促使玩家重新思考我们如何感知和评价真实的情感表达。
Scene 1:The Night Banquet
Scene 1:The Night Banquet
Scene 1: The Night Banquet
In a room with bright chandeliers, game characters gather around a long table with a big painting above it. It feels like a elegant banquet where everyone is on their best behavior. As players talk to the characters, they start to see that what the characters show on the outside might be different from what they really think inside.
场景一：夜晚宴会
在一间装有明亮吊灯的房间里，游戏角色聚集在一张长桌周围，桌子上方有一幅大尺寸画。 这感觉就像一场优雅的宴会，每个人都表现得最好。 当玩家与角色交谈时，他们开始发现角色外表的表现可能与他们内心的真实想法不同。
Scene 1 design
Building process
Pointer Events
Interactive Highlighter
Button Scene Controller
Different perspectives
Scene 2:The Dance Party
Scene 2:The Dance Party
Scene 2: The Dance Party
In a room with gentle lights and high pillars, there are images of people dancing around fires on the walls. Game characters dance in this space, and as players mingle with them, they get to uncover what these characters are really thinking and feeling.
场景二：舞会
一间灯光柔和、柱子高高的房间里，墙上挂着人们围着火跳舞的图像。 游戏角色在这个空间中跳舞，当玩家与他们交流时，他们可以发现这些角色的真实想法和感受。
Scene 2 design
Building process
Pointer Events
Interactive Highlighter
Button Scene Controller
Different perspectives
Scene 3: The Future Trading Room
Scene 3: The Future Trading Room
Scene 3: The Future Trading Room
In this scenario, players uncover a surprising twist: they are future humans, evolved to express themselves differently. The earlier scenes are virtual reality experiences that hark back to historical social settings. The trading room, a confined space with a large circular table, is where these future individuals gather. Here, they exchange the emotional experiences gathered from the past-themed scenes, treating these feelings as collectibles or retro amusement.
场景三：未来交易大厅
在这个场景中，玩家们发现了一个转折：他们是已经进化出了新表达方式的未来人类。之前的场景其实是回顾历史社交背景的虚拟现实体验。交易大厅是一个封闭空间，中间摆放着一个巨大的圆形桌子，未来人类就是在这里聚集的。在这里，他们交换在过去主题场景中收集到的情感体验，把这些情感看作是收藏品或者复古的娱乐项目。
Scene 3 design
Building process
Timed Object Sequence Transition
Different perspectives
Scene 4:The Emotion Chamber
Scene 4:The Emotion Chamber
Scene 4: The Emotion Chamber
In the game's final room, close-up images of faces showing strong emotions cover the walls. The close quarters make these feelings seem even more intense. Players get an up-close look at tears in eyes and smiles on lips, pushing them to think about the complex web of emotions that connect us all as humans.
场景四：情感密室
在游戏的最后一个房间里，墙壁上贴满了展示强烈情感的面部特写图片。狭小的空间使这些情感显得更加强烈。玩家可以近距离观察到眼中的泪水和嘴角的微笑，促使他们思考那些构成我们人类共通纽带的复杂情感网。
Scene 4 design
Building process
Timed Object Activation Sequence
Different perspectives
The Ordered Banquet
有序的宴会
Paintings in scenes
Moonlit Ritual
月光仪式
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I created "Moonlit Ritual" drawing inspiration from ancient Celtic mythology. At the heart of this piece stands a figure reminiscent of the god Cernunnos, surrounded by forest spirits and dancing nymphs. As the fire blazes and the moon illuminates the scene, the painting captures a moment that signifies the balance of nature and the embrace of primal energies. This artwork, used in Scene 2 of my project, represents a personal release from societal chains. Through this painting, I wish to convey the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, embracing the wild and untamed aspects of their being. It serves as a pivotal moment of realization and acceptance in the narrative.
(created in midjourney/ Prompt:oil painting, Bacchanalian dance, moonlit night, forest, human-animal spirits, fervent bonfire)
我创作的《月光仪式》受到了古凯尔特神话的启发。作品的中心是一个让人想起神祇塞尔努诺斯的形象，周围是森林之灵和跳舞的仙女。火焰熊熊，月光洒落，这幅画捕捉了一个象征自然平衡和原始能量拥抱的瞬间。这幅艺术作品用于我项目中的第二场景，代表着个人从社会枷锁中的解放。通过这幅画，我希望传达主角自我发现的旅程，拥抱他们存在中的野性和未被驯服的方面。它在叙事中充当了一个认知和接受的关键时刻。
（在Midjourney中创建/提示：油画，巴卡纳利亚舞蹈，月光下的夜晚，森林，人兽精神，热情的篝火）
Echoes of the Past
往昔的回声
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In "Echoes of the Past", I depicted an ancient temple set against a backdrop of a hauntingly quiet landscape, with a single individual at its entrance. This temple represents our collective societal history, and the lone figure symbolizes humanity looking back. Set in scene 3, which focuses on the future, this artwork serves as a reminder of where we've been. As society stands on the cusp of a new era, we evaluate our past mistakes and achievements, ensuring they guide our next steps forward. This piece embodies that crucial moment of reflection before moving into the unknown future.
(created in midjourney/ Prompt:Oil painting, Apollo, temple, twilight, solitary figures, muted lyre, fading shadows)
在“往昔的回声”中，我描绘了一座古老的庙宇，它矗立在一个幽静的景象，庙门前只有一个孤独的身影。这座庙宇代表我们共同的社会历史，而那个孤独的人象征着人类回顾往昔。这幅作品定格在以未来为主题的第三场景中，它提醒我们不要忘记来时的路。当社会站在新时代的门槛上，我们回顾过去的错误和成就，确保它们引导我们向前迈出下一步。这件作品体现了在迈向未知的未来之前，那个关键的反思时刻。
（在Midjourney中创作/提示词：油画、阿波罗、庙宇、黄昏、孤独的人物、低沉的里拉琴、渐隐的阴影）
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In "The Ordered Banquet," the scene draws heavily from Greek mythology, where banquets often represented divine order and celebrations of harmony. The statues resemble Greek gods, serving as symbols of the strict societal norms of their time. The masked central figure evokes the tales of hidden identities in myths, highlighting the pressure to hide one's true self behind societal expectations. Relating to the project, the scene mirrors the structured norms of Scene 1, embodying the world's perceptions versus individual feelings. The painting’s mythological undertone is a reminder that the pressure to conform has ancient roots, and its placement in Scene 1 emphasizes the journey from external pressures to self-realization.
(created in midjourney/ Prompt:oil painting, Renaissance feast, ethereal landscape, fading shadows, untouched banquet, overseeing statue)
在《有序的宴会》中，画面大量借鉴了希腊神话，宴会常常象征着神圣的秩序和和谐的庆典。雕像酷似希腊诸神，象征着他们时代的严格社会规范。戴着面具的中心人物唤起了神话中隐藏身份的故事，凸显了人们背后社会期待隐藏真实自我的压力。与项目关联，这一场景反映了第一场景中的结构化规范，体现了世界的看法与个体情感之间的差异。画作中的神话色彩是对古老从众压力根源的提醒，其在第一场景中的位置强调了从外在压力到自我实现的旅程。
（在Midjourney中创建 / 提示：油画，文艺复兴时期的盛宴，空灵的风景，渐隐的阴影，未被触碰的宴席，俯瞰的雕像）
Refining Game Mechanics:
Right now, I've designed the game around a basic click-to-talk mode. However, I'm looking to enhance and introduce more detailed game mechanics in the future. I want them to resonate more with the theme and allow players to have a richer, more interactive experience.
Future Improvements
Upgrading Graphics and Sound:
I'm planning on giving a complete overhaul to the game's visuals and audio. My aim is to offer players a more immersive experience with improved graphics, lifelike character animations, and an enveloping soundtrack.
Enhancing the Narrative:
While the current story serves its fundamental purpose, there's ample scope for enhancement. I'm thinking of adding branching storylines, allowing players to make impactful choices. This would offer them various endings and incentivize replayability to uncover every potential outcome.