Working Title…
LAST UPDATED: 1/31/2025
VERSION: Alpha “Not In Service” Version (0.1)
This game was conjured for #TinyWorldJam
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This game was conjured while sitting on a subway train, seeing the post that KiennaS & Viditya Voleti put out for this itch.io game jam. I proceeded to then be incredibly busy, and in the literal last hours of the game, put this together while also on the J train heading into Queens.
A printable zine PDF that will help outline the paper subway map and folding instructions will be coming by the end of February 2025!
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This game is about riding the subway and the tiny world a subway car encompasses. Subways and underground rail metros are unique: a set track, isolated under (and/or hoisted above) the main roadways and thoroughfares. While the world is said to pass you by, barely would your window show you that: instead, dark tunnels or the occasional glimpse of a station platform as you whiz by on the express track.
Inside a single subway car can be people from all walks of life about the city, outside of the city, and places further beyond; yet, all of them have chosen to travel in a shared, liminal space.
The author of this game is from NYC and is a huge proponent of the transit system (and public transit) in general. Many of these prompts and experiences come from the perspective of a local New Yorker - and maybe you’d like to experience that in this game.
If you don’t want the MTA-flavored experience, feel free to sub in your own ideas or change out prompts based on transit rail systems you’ve experienced, or maybe something more fantastical.
In addition, there are some prompts that may hint at fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, etc. If you rather have a more grounded/realistic experience, just re-roll or come up with something yourself!
This is a game for any number of players (in theory). You can all play as a group in the same subway car together. Maybe you’re traveling to the same destination. Maybe you cross paths at a transfer.
As you roll on prompts and create the story of your journey, the people around you, and the subway car itself, you’ll be creating your subway’s map route and stops.