Wedding Bells: The Demo of Much to Do to Say “I Do”

Abstract

Wedding Bells is the title of our year-long project focused on the development of the Much to Do to Say “I Do” demo. In this game, players take on the role of a wedding planner, helping to plan a wedding for an in-game couple. The couple consists of Manuel, a Mexican-American cisgender man, and his fiancée, Valerie, an American trans woman. The heart of the design is rooted in our primary project goals: to provide positive representation and emotional storytelling. By sharing a narrative that celebrates their identities and backgrounds, we aimed to highlight their unique experiences within the context of their rich communities. The demo introduces a tutorialized experience that serves as the foundation for a more expansive game. Set in Curren, an idealized American city where marginalized communities thrive, the environment is designed to emphasize positivity, social connection, and emotional depth. This fictional city provides a healthy space for diverse populations, further reinforcing the game’s themes. This demo is meant to serve as the foundation for a much longer game. The full Much to Do to Say “I Do” game will expand beyond this demo, allowing players to plan multiple weddings for various couples, build their business, and connect to the community of Curren. As a result, Wedding Bells serves as an active proof of concept, which will be released on Steam and shared with the WPI community. This release aims to gather feedback and drive the continued development of our game, ensuring an iterative approach to its design and success