Hiraya

"FAMILY LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT - ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH UNHEALTHY FAMILIAL TRAITS."

Welcome to Hiraya, an interactive 2D Filipino-based  web narrative game filled with recollections and reflections of unpleasant memories and experiences.

You play as Hiraya, a young college student struggling with academics, expectations, and parental relationships. Your task is to guide Hiraya by walking around the house, talking with the family, and facing various scenarios. 

Choose how you respond to different situations, but remember, all actions have consequences - even seemingly harmless ones.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN HIRAYA?

• A TRIP TO MEMORY LANE

Relive the memories of experiencing unhealthy family traits as Hiraya and encounter various scenarios: familial expectations, authoritarian parenting style, educational achievement - you name it!

• SIMPLE AND CONVENIENT CONTROLS

Want to explore the house? Use the Arrow keys or WASD keys. How about interacting with objects and family? Press E. Text is too slow? Speed it up by pressing Spacebar or Enter.

• NOSTALGIC AND HOMEY VISUALS

Revisit the 2D game nostalgia as you roam around and interact in Hiraya’s house.

• THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU ACT

Reflect on your actions before responding to the situation - you’ll never know what’s in store for you!

 

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND "HIRAYA"?

Did you know? “Hiraya” was based on the developers' thesis entitled “Familial Relationships as Discussed in Social Media (TikTok) and its Effect on the Filipino Youth’s Perception of Unhealthy Traits in Families.” It answered the question of how the presence of social media, specifically TikTok, affects Filipino youth's perception of unhealthy family traits.

BUT WHAT ARE THE UNHEALTHY FAMILY TRAITS?

There are four unhealthy family traits stated in the thesis: the authoritarian parenting style, traditional gender roles, high expectations for educational achievements, and high expectations for the fulfillment of familial obligations. 

However, not all of these four traits will be focused on the game but instead scattered throughout the storyline and its scenarios - so observe closely!

AND? WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?

The results showed that TikTok has an impact on the youth due to how it raises awareness and provides different perspectives. However, there are still possible issues such as misinterpretation and inappropriate encouragement. 

Nevertheless, the positivity of this impact depends on the youth's pre-existing perceptions, openness to information, and understanding of how they may properly apply this information in their lives. 

THEN? WHY CREATE HIRAYA?

Well, the developers found that unhealthy family traits in Filipino families remain prevalent - which is why they created an interactive 2D narrative web-based game as their multimedia project. 

After all, one of the goals of this project is to raise awareness on the issue of unhealthy family traits with information from trustworthy sources - and what’s more suitable, efficient, and interactive for learning than playing a game?

A game can provide a more insightful, impactful, and personal experience to the players - which is why the developers created Hiraya. It lets players navigate through a story that reflects their perceptions of unhealthy family dynamics and guides them on properly handling these issues and information.

 

SEEKING HELP? WE GOT YOU!

Seeking professional help is one of the ways someone may work through the problems and issues they are struggling with. However, it may not necessarily be accessible to all.

Hence, it is essential to have other ways to seek help, especially if you or someone you know is struggling with such issues.

WHERE TO FIND MENTAL HELP IN THE PHILIPPINES?

• Silakbo PH - Art & Mental Health Independent Publication

http://www.silakbo.ph/help/

Silakbo PH contains a comprehensive list of mental health resources in the Philippines and worldwide, including hotline or chat services, DOH Medicine Access Program-Mental Health (MAP-MH) Access Sites, and clinics, centers, institutions, and foundations that you may reach out to.

• National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)

https://ncmh.gov.ph/index.php/online-services

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) is a local government organization that is dedicated to providing mental health assistance that you may need. 

They also currently offer free online consultation services (e-Konsultasyon & e-Kamustahan) from certified mental health professionals that you may access anytime on their website.

• NCMH Crisis Hotlines

1. Nationwide Landline: 1553
   
2. Globe/TM: 0966-351-4518
   
3. Globe/TM: 0917-899-8727
   
4. Smart/Sun/TNT: 0908-639-2672
   

• Ruben M. Tanseco, S.J. Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM)

https://www.cefam.ph/ministries/pastoral-counseling

Ruben M. Tanseco, S.J. Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM) is a non-stock and non-profit corporation focused on empowering the relationships of Filipino families. 

They have many programs and services, including Pastoral Counseling for individuals, couples, and families that you may avail from their online services.

• Any Appointments or Inquiries?

1. Landline: (632) 8426-4289 to 92
2. Mobile & Viber: +63 927 863 9346

LINKS

• Website: https://unhappycats.itch.io/hiraya
• Informative Website: https://hirayagame.online/
  

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/hirayathegame
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hirayathegame

DISCLAIMER

Hiraya is by no means in any way intended to be a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other contents of this game and website, is for informational purposes only. 

Unhappycats always aim and encourage the players to seek the advice of their respective psychologists or therapists with any confidential or grave mental health concerns they may have. The game also contains sensitive topics such as unhealthy familial relationships and depictions of anxiety that may trigger some emotionally intense feelings or thoughts for some players.

Furthermore, please be advised that the game has flashy visual animations and transitions that may cause seizures or other health concerns (photosensitive epilepsy) for visually sensitive people.

YOU CAN HELP US TOO!

Participate in helping the developers improve Hiraya through feedback! Any response or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

• Survey: https://forms.gle/uhNQeXeixGVDt2Yp8

CREDITS

Created by the Unhappycats developers: Rychelle Lachica, Monique Sy, Abigail Amante, and Stacey Dizon

Made with Unity 2D

Music by Louie Zong

Developers Note: The game is now released after its initial beta! Enjoy and kindly leave us feedback through the survey link above and the discussion form below!