I could also be biased, however for me, video video games are probably the most distinguished types of creative expression within the leisure business. Music, books, motion pictures, and artwork themselves are world-renowned types of expression, however video video games nonetheless need to justify why they’re thought-about artwork, they usually’re nonetheless typically derided as simply kids’s merchandise.
In my humble opinion, what elevates this medium as a creative medium is its interactive nature. Video video games not solely permit creators to precise their creative expression and convey a message, but additionally permit gamers to take part of their creations and convey their individuality. This premise is that My girlfriend is VAMP! Introducing a 2D narrative platformer through which gamers should care for a vampire-autistic Magic Princess and, alongside the way in which, perceive how empathy and significant decisions can go a great distance when coping with a neurodiverse inhabitants.
Throughout my quick keep at Gamescom Latam 2026, I acquired an invite for an interview. My girlfriend is VAMP! . As somebody with an autistic brother, I could not move up this chance, particularly after taking part in the demo and recognizing lots of the pretty vampire quirks from my very own expertise.
Interview with ASD-themed recreation βMy Girlfriend is VAMP!β
Q: Please introduce the workforce and inform us just a little about βMy Girlfriend is VAMP!β
TinyTank is made up of a seven-person workforce: a recreation designer, a story designer, three artists, a composer, and a programmer. We hope for sporadic reinforcement ultimately. The workforce is led by us, Mateus Lacerda (Recreation Director and Recreation Designer) and Juliana Dutra (Govt Producer and Narrative Designer).
My girlfriend is VAMP! is a 2D narrative platformer the place you must carry your girlfriend again to the fort. Patricia is a princess who will not be afraid of dragons or fireballs. For her, her worst enemies are in on a regular basis life: a brilliant gentle that burns just like the solar, a sound that hurts like a stake, and an insufferable scent of garlic. As a result of she’s VAMP: A Magical Princess with Vampire Autism.
The sport options nifty mechanics and empathetic dialogue that determines whether or not you may keep collectively till the tip of the sport, throughout which the Queen observes your actions and decides the way forward for the people she calls “nonpires.”
Q: Why did you determine to make a recreation with the theme of ASD (Autism Spectrum Dysfunction)?
Juliana: We’re a pair shaped by a typical individual and an atypical individual. All through our marriage, we confronted a number of changes relating to sensory points. Mateusz has at all times been my “help individual” and we joked that perhaps we may even make a recreation about what it is wish to “stay with me.” After additional analysis, we found that if we take this subject significantly, it may actually grow to be a recreation of acceptance. ASD emerged as a result of the sensory signs resemble the looks of a vampire and can be utilized for frolicsome suggestion. From there we began finding out.
Mateus: Throughout this analysis part, we recognized a market hole. Video games that discuss autism are both coaching video games for autistic individuals or simulations from an autistic perspective. Our recreation exhibits the attitude from the opposite facet – a neurotypical one that acts as help. Moreover, we method this topic via the lens of an “leisure recreation” that’s in the end instructional.
Q: The workforce consulted a psychologist who focuses on ASD when creating the sport, proper? Did this occur earlier than or after the central concept was conceived, and did the event course of change after the session?
Juliana: I examine in on dialogue and narrative selections with Rebecca Moreira, an autism psychologist with in depth expertise in ASD-focused care. One of many new options of the sport is collectible rooms. In my creativeness, opposite to the autistic stereotype, a princess can be disorganized at every thing. Due to Rebecca, we discovered that ASD is private and the character can definitely comply with the unique concept. In the long run, I selected an “organized” room categorized by sort.
For her, her worst enemies are in on a regular basis life: a brilliant gentle that burns just like the solar, a sound that hurts like a stake, and an insufferable scent of garlic. As a result of she’s VAMP: A Magical Princess with Vampire Autism.
Mateus: Since growth started, all of the conversations, articles, and even gentle content material on this topic make us mirror on selections already made or generate new insights to use to the sport. There are presently extra concepts than options that really match throughout the scope of the sport, which is nice.
Q: I’ve a 27-year-old autistic brother, so once I performed the demo I had some concept of ββ deal with the dialogue choices. In response to the official clarification, the alternatives you make will have an effect on the end result. Is there a proper or improper ending? And will those that arrive on the βimproperβ ending be involved?
Juliana: I am glad the dialogue matches your expertise. I wish to assume that good and dangerous are relative from a narrative perspective, however there’s usually one response that pleases her, one that’s impartial, and one that’s destructive. I wrote this whereas serious about human relationships. Generally we’re clumsy, however our intentions are loving and welcoming. Generally intentions aren’t sufficient and phrases can hit the place it hurts. And generally there’s a barrier to understanding from the opposite individual’s viewpoint, and that hurts.
As for the end result, there are 4 prospects, based mostly on how a lot the princess desires to keep up the connection and the way a lot her mom approves of your hazard avoidance expertise. Let’s simply say that atypical individuals who arrive on the “improper” ending could really feel vindicated. As for non-pires, you’ll acquire instructional expertise.
Q: The demo solely consists of some puzzle parts. Sooner or later, the shopkeeper mentions a boss and quite a lot of equippable and collectible gadgets. What different gameplay parts shall be included within the last model of the sport?
Mateus: Within the last model, we plan so as to add no less than one new hazard per stage to create new dynamics and make it tougher to guard the VAMP, thus including extra advanced environmental puzzles (mechanisms for avoiding stage hazards). There will even be extra refined equippable, consumable, and collectible objects. Gear and consumables will aid you overcome the risks on the stage. Collectibles will seem in VAMP’s room.
Video games that discuss autism are both coaching video games for autistic individuals or simulations from an autistic perspective. Our recreation exhibits the attitude from the opposite facet – a neurotypical one that acts as help.
Juliana: Within the room you may see a set of all gadgets from every gameplay particular curiosity. Some gamers like to gather. Neurodivergent individuals typically belong to that group. We need to enhance this ingredient of distinctiveness and visibility. We plan so as to add extra interactivity to surroundings, NPCs, and most requested cat petting. Narratively, it is going to be a journey about distinction, empathy, compassion, and coexistence.
Mateus: Relying on the hyper focus you select in the beginning of the sport, the store will change and so will the set of collectibles. For those who actually like this recreation, you may play it many instances to finish the room collectibles and expertise totally different endings.
Q: Is there any query you want I had requested that I did not ask? Please give a message to the gamers.
Juliana: We need to hearken to our neighborhood and proceed to enhance the sport. Thanks very a lot in your continued patronage of VAMP. For those who’re searching for a recreation that accepts your totally different selves (whether or not on the spectrum or on a broader phenotypic spectrum) and is searching for a really comfy gameplay expertise, My girlfriend is VAMP! It could be a recreation that stays in your coronary heart.
Mateus: Since we began selling the venture, we’re very grateful to the VAMP neighborhood who has supported and helped us in varied methods to proceed the venture in the very best means. We’ve got over 40,000 customers on social media, which is an unbelievable feat for an indie studio, and we sincerely hope that the ultimate results of this recreation features a small half that represents every of you.