Big Country – Phase 2: The Campervan Life with Tidepool Games

For this phase of Big Country, our team is working with Tidepool Games to build a vertical slice that focuses on storytelling through van customization. The game follows Maya, a young woman who’s inherited a camper van from her Uncle Sid. As players step inside the van, they’re not just rearranging furniture, they’re uncovering memories and piecing together a past.

Right now, the game’s customization system is still early. Our challenge is to create a playable experience that feels both interactive and emotionally meaningful. To do this, we’ll build a pre-furnished van interior with key zones like a bed and kitchen unit, and layer on a set of intuitive tools, object placement, grid-based editing, surface types, and a inventory system.

We’ll use rapid prototyping and agile planning to test these features quickly and make sure they’re both functional and evocative. Our approach blends technical systems with design choices that prioritize warmth, memory, and storytelling. Players will be able to walk into the van, add personal touches, and experience how small details bring big meaning.

The result will be a vertical slice: a playable, emotionally grounded scene that shows how narrative and customization can live together inside a small but meaningful space.