IT ALL BEGINS WITH A GOODBYE…

Bombs have been falling for years on Homs, Syria, tearing the city to pieces and spreading death. So when her younger sister is added to the list of casualties, Nour can’t take it anymore. She decides to leave for Europe, with hopes of a better life.

Her husband, Majd, can’t come with her. He recently lost his father, too, but his mother and grandfather are still alive – if he goes, they won’t be able to make it without him.

So together, Nour and Majd prepare her trip as well as possible. They study the maps, make a list of items she could use, gather their meager savings and buy two smartphones to keep in touch. They’re both frightened and restless.

And one morning, Nour hops on a truck with her backpack on her shoulder. Before she leaves, Majd hugs her like never before, kisses her on the forehead and whispers a Syrian farewell saying:

“Bury me, my Love”

Bury me, My Love is an interactive game that follows the journey of a Syrian refugee named Nour, who is trying to make her way to safety in Europe. As Majd, Nour’s husband, the player communicates with her via text messages and makes decisions that affect the outcome of the story. The game’s text message-based interface creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, while its use of real-world information and resources encourages players to engage with the refugee crisis beyond the game. Visually, the game presents a series of text message conversations between Majd and Nour, with occasional illustrations and animations to depict key moments in the story. The player’s choices have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, with multiple possible endings based on the decisions made throughout the story

As a narrative designer and literary scholar with personal experience in the Arab Spring, I was blown away by this game’s immersive storytelling and authentic representation of Middle Eastern culture and history.

From the moment I booted up the game, I was transported to a world of magic and adventure, full of vibrant colors, thoughtful patterns, and intricately branched storytelling. The game’s attention to detail is truly impressive as each level leads you through an immersive and rich world, fleshed out in cultural and historical references that add depth and complexity to the narrative.

But what really set this game apart for me was its nuanced portrayal of Middle Eastern society and politics. Drawing on my own experiences in the Arab Spring, I was struck by the game’s exploration of the tensions and contradictions inherent in Middle Eastern culture, as well as its celebration of the resilience and creativity of the region’s people.

As a beekeeper myself, I also appreciated the game’s incorporation of bees as symbols of community, hard work, and determination. The way the game wove together elements of Middle Eastern storytelling and beekeeping was masterful, creating a unique and compelling narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a thrilling and fun adventure that also offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of Middle Eastern culture and storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a literary scholar, there’s something for everyone in this rich and immersive game.

1. What are the core themes of the game?

The core themes of Bury me, My Love are survival, hope, and the complexities of human relationships. The game explores the challenges faced by refugees as they try to navigate a dangerous and uncertain world, while also delving into the emotional struggles that arise when loved ones are separated and forced to make difficult choices.

2. How does the game balance realism and entertainment?

Bury me, My Love strikes a balance between realism and entertainment by presenting a fictional story that is rooted in real-world events and experiences. The game draws on real accounts from Syrian refugees to create an authentic and engaging narrative that immerses players in the characters’ world. At the same time, the game is designed to be entertaining and engaging, with a compelling storyline, challenging gameplay mechanics, and a visually stunning presentation.

3. What is the player’s role in the story and how does their choices affect the outcome?

The player takes on the role of Majd, Nour’s husband, who is communicating with her via text messages as she makes her way to Europe. As Majd, the player must make decisions that affect the outcome of the story, including choosing which path Nour should take and how to respond to various challenges and obstacles along the way. The player’s choices will ultimately determine the fate of Nour and the outcome of the game.

4. How does the game create a sense of empathy and awareness for the real-life situation of Syrian refugees?

Bury me, My Love creates a sense of empathy and awareness for the real-life situation of Syrian refugees by presenting a fictional story that is grounded in real-world events and experiences. The game humanizes the refugee experience by putting players in the shoes of Nour and allowing them to experience her journey firsthand. The game also includes real-world information about the Syrian refugee crisis, as well as links to resources and organizations that support refugees.

5. How does the game utilize the unique features of the interactive medium to enhance the story?

Bury me, My Love utilizes the unique features of the interactive medium to enhance the story in several ways. The game’s text message-based interface creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making players feel like they are communicating directly with Nour in real-time. The game’s branching narrative allows for multiple outcomes and endings, creating a sense of agency and investment in the story. And the game’s use of real-world information and resources encourages players to engage with the refugee crisis beyond the confines of the game

Further resources I’d encourage you to check out:

• Play the prologue before buying the game
• Exploring Hopelessness in Games