Category: Games Design Document

The development of Shadows Between Time reflects a clear shift from an initially setting-driven stealth concept toward a more experience-led design approach. Early iterations of the project placed strong emphasis on historical context, atmosphere, and genre conventions. While these elements provided a clear aesthetic foundation, reflection revealed that the project lacked a strong emotional throughline…

Progression in Shadows Between Time is structured around increasingly demanding spatial challenges rather than the introduction of additional mechanics or abilities. The core systems remain consistent throughout the experience, allowing difficulty to emerge organically through environmental complexity, enemy behaviour, and tighter timing windows. As players progress, environments become denser and more layered, requiring quicker decision-making…

Visual Direction The visual style of Shadows Between Time is built around contrast, silhouette, and shadow to enhance stealth, readability, and atmosphere. Environments make use of muted industrial colour palettes—greys, browns, and desaturated tones—punctuated by controlled highlights that guide player attention and signal points of risk or safety. Characters and spaces are often defined by…

The world of Shadows Between Time is a stylised, abstract interpretation of 1900s Britain, where industrial environments serve as both physical spaces and emotional pressure chambers. Factories, rooftops, alleyways, and underground tunnels are depicted as oppressive, repetitive spaces that heighten tension and reinforce a sense of constant surveillance. Rather than aiming for historical accuracy, the…

Core Gameplay Gameplay in Shadows Between Time is built around side-on traversal and stealth-based navigation, supported by highly responsive movement systems and readable enemy behaviour. The player interacts with environments that encourage continuous motion, using spatial awareness, timing, and positioning to avoid detection rather than confronting threats directly. Enemy patrols, visibility, and sound are clearly…

The intended player experience in Shadows Between Time is one of sustained alertness, tension, and emotional fluctuation. Players are placed in environments that demand constant awareness, where movement, timing, and spatial judgement are critical to survival. The experience is designed to keep players mentally and physically engaged, discouraging passivity and rewarding confident, reactive play. As…

Flow Over Combat Shadows Between Time prioritises movement, rhythm, and spatial awareness over confrontation. Combat is intentionally de-emphasised to avoid positioning the player as a dominant force within the environment. Instead, success emerges from maintaining momentum and navigating spaces fluidly under pressure. This pillar reframes stealth as an experience driven by motion and timing rather…

Shadows Between Time differentiates itself by framing stealth as a continuous, movement-driven experience built around tension and near-failure rather than control or domination. Instead of rewarding slow, overly cautious play or combat mastery, the game encourages players to commit to motion, recover from mistakes, and maintain momentum under pressure. By blending nostalgic 2D stealth language—such…

The core intention of Shadows Between Time is to create a stealth experience that feels urgent, immersive, and emotionally charged. The game is designed to keep players in a sustained state of awareness, where movement, timing, and adaptability are essential to survival. Rather than framing stealth as slow, methodical, or purely tactical, the experience prioritises…

Working Title: Shadows Between TimeGenre: 2D Stealth / ActionPlatform: PC & ConsoleTarget Audience: 16+ Shadows Between Time is a 2D stealth game that delivers a high-intensity, adrenaline-fueled experience through a nostalgic yet contemporary design. The project explores how classic stealth sensibilities can be reinterpreted through fluid movement, responsive controls, and tension-focused pacing, rather than relying…