Enso

Brief

This is a prototype of Enso game prepared for AUT Game Craft game jam.

The team behind this project is called Funnetize and its members are:

• Nazanin Kazemi
• Ali Akbar Raeisi
• Shiva Babasafari
• Arya Allahyari
• Shakib Omrani

Main Idea

What is the Enso Symbol? – A Perfectly Imperfect Circle.

The Enso symbol is considered a sacred symbol in the Zen school of thought. It’s typically created with one uninterrupted stroke of the brush, although sometimes it can be painted with two strokes. The circle can be either open or closed, with both styles representing different things (discussed below). Drawing an Enso is a precise art that has to be done in one fluid stroke. Once drawn, the symbol can’t be altered in any way. 

You can learn more here.

Our game challenges 2 different aspects of a player: 1. Focus, 2. Dexterity. These 2 are dependent on mental strength. Hence, our game is a representation of a subjective environment. A player improves both of these skills by moving through a circular path.

Meditation is one way to enhance mental abilities. This is why we chose Zen and Enso which is a form of meditation in this school of thought.

In our game players practice Enso by moving in a circular motion while being aware of the obstacles on their way. The goal of this practice is to conceive phenomenons directly and without an intermediary. Also, players need to react instantly by changing direction and size.