Before Your Eyes

Before Your Eyes uses eye-tracking technology to tell an emotionally difficult story. Players relive the protagonist's memories through their eyes (literally), advancing the narrative with each blink. The game explores themes such as the reliability of memory, free will, and the nature of life and death.

Day 1

Getting ready to play

Ask students to download the game before class. They should come with headphones and the device they will use to play (PC/Mac for most). Note that this game makes use of the computer's camera to track the player's blinking. This is a core mechanic.

Class time and homework (75–90 mins)

Play from the beginning up to the scene where Benny starts drawing while bedridden. Ask students to provide short answers (two or three sentences) to the questions below, in preparation for class discussion.

What are your first impressions of the protagonist and his family?
How does the game introduce the concept of memory?
How reliable are the protagonist's memories? Can we trust them? Mention some memories that may not be reliable.
How does the blinking mechanic influence your engagement with the story?

Day 2

Classtime (60 mins)

Discussion of study questions and student observations about the game so far (25 mins)
Gameplay (35 mins)

Homework (45 mins)

Play up until Benny and Chloe meet at Benny's art exhibit. Ask students to provide short answers (two or three sentences) to the questions below, in preparation for class discussion.

How do the choices Benny faces during his teen years impact his development and relationships?
How does the game use its mechanics to reflect the weight of these decisions?
Provide a short analysis of one scene that emphasizes the emotional consequences of choice. How does this scene communicate this consequence, especially with non-verbal elements?

Day 2

Classtime (60 mins)

Discussion of study questions and student observations about the game so far (25 mins)
Gameplay (35 mins)

Homework (45 mins)

Play to the game's conclusion, where Benny reaches the afterlife and is judged by the Ferryman.

CRITICAL REFLECTION

1. Analyzing the Use of Interactive Mechanics:
How does the eye-tracking mechanic in BYE enhance the narrative? Discuss its impact on player engagement and emotional response, and compare it to traditional storytelling methods. Explore specific moments in the game where the mechanics directly influence the player's understanding and experience of the story.

2. The Role of Memory in Shaping Identity:
How does BYE portray the reliability and significance of memory in shaping personal identity? Analyze key scenes where memories influence the protagonist's self-perception and decisions. Support your thesis with examples from the game.

Before Your Eyes

Day 1

Getting ready to play

Ask students to download the game before class. They should come with headphones and the device they will use to play (PC/Mac for most). Note that this game makes use of the computer's camera to track the player's blinking. This is a core mechanic. ​

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Class time and homework (75–90 mins)

Day 2

Classtime (60 mins)

Discussion of study questions and student observations about the game so far (25 mins)

Gameplay (35 mins)

​

Homework (45 mins)

Day 2

Classtime (60 mins)

Discussion of study questions and student observations about the game so far (25 mins)

Gameplay (35 mins)

​​

Homework (45 mins)

CRITICAL REFLECTION

2. The Role of Memory in Shaping Identity: How does BYE portray the reliability and significance of memory in shaping personal identity? Analyze key scenes where memories influence the protagonist's self-perception and decisions. Support your thesis with examples from the game.

Ask students to download the game before class. They should come with headphones and the device they will use to play (PC/Mac for most). Note that this game makes use of the computer's camera to track the player's blinking. This is a core mechanic.

2. The Role of Memory in Shaping Identity:
How does BYE portray the reliability and significance of memory in shaping personal identity? Analyze key scenes where memories influence the protagonist's self-perception and decisions. Support your thesis with examples from the game.