Country of Origin: Iran

Video Game Installation

Artist Statement

As a game developer, I aimed to create an immersive, educational, and inspiring experience that draws upon the richness of my Persian heritage. TIME: Journey to Nowruz, serves as a window into Iran’s vibrant culture and history. Centered around Nowruz, the Persian New Year, this game immerses players in the tradition of curating the Haftsin table and participating in cherished Persian rituals. This interactive odyssey not only educates players about the often overlooked or misinterpreted elements of Persian culture, but also bonds Iranian immigrants together, encouraging them to rejoice and share their distinctive traditions in their new communities. Moreover, the game offers a snapshot of Iran’s abundant historical, cultural, and mystical narratives, a precious reservoir waiting to be explored. I have designed this game by employing methods of advanced storytelling, gamified rituals, and immersive environments, steering players through imaginatively reconstructed historical and fictional settings, brimming with interactive historical and cultural artifacts.  

TIME: Journey to Nowruz is the story of a young boy, Farid, and his quest to revive Nowruz and reunite with his family to celebrate the arrival of spring. Tasked with helping his grandmother prepare for the New Year celebration, Farid embarks on a magical journey back to the creation of Nowruz. In Persepolis, the heart of the Achaemenid Empire, Farid meets with Cyrus the Great, Haji Firuz, and Amu Nowruz, and by collecting items reflecting Haftsin traditions, he breaks the frozen curse cast by Nane Sarma. The game culminates in a vibrant Nowruz celebration, highlighting familial bonds, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of traditions.