Published
9-10-2025
Type of Work
Conference Presentation
Abstract
The Last Werewolf is an interactive narrative game exploring lived experiences of bipolar disorder through metaphor and emotional design. Drawing on the creator’s personal perspective, the game uses cyclical transformation as a lens for understanding mood episodes and identity fragmentation. The showcase presentation examined how mechanics and narrative structure were used to embody bipolar experiences, aiming to foster empathy and nuanced mental health representation in games. By integrating creative practice with research, The Last Werewolf demonstrates how independent games can meaningfully communicate complex psychological realities through interactive storytelling.
Notes
Game Cited: Unnatural Freaks. (2025). The Last Werewolf [Video game]. Unnatural Freaks. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2212520/The_Last_Werewolf/
Citation
Kerr, R. (2025, October 9). The last werewolf: An interactive narrative about bipolar disorder [PowerPoint slides]. Games For Change Asia Pacific, Melbourne, Australia. Canva. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzm-ZLRWQ/NIvE05xGuweBMPm2kLHlDQ/view
Link to Published Work
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzm-ZLRWQ/NIvE05xGuweBMPm2kLHlDQ/view
Sensitive handling note
4. Readers should be aware that this output contains content related to any of the following: violence, family or domestic violence, self-harm, sexual assault, suicide, family child removal, refugee experiences, war survivor experiences or other traumatic experiences that may be distressing or harmful to some people.
Included in
Digital Humanities Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Fiction Commons, Game Design Commons