Ephemeral
A quiet narrative set during a journey that can’t last forever.
Ephemeral is a dialogue-driven narrative game about two foxes sharing a final train ride together. Through intimate moments and quiet pauses, players explore themes of love, parting, and the bittersweet feeling of what’s left unsaid.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2006
E-commerce
$1.578 billion (2019)
5,000+
Challenge
Craft a powerful emotional narrative within game jam constraints. No elaborate cutscenes, no branching trees — just subtle text, timing, and a believable emotional arc.
Impact
Completed in 48 hours during a themed game jam
Multiple players emotionally connected with the ending
One of our most quietly celebrated team projects
Deeper Lore & Iconic Characters
My Role
As game designer, I wrote the core structure, dialogue flow, and pacing — keeping the tone grounded and consistent with the soft melancholy of a goodbye. I also supported scene layout and made adjustments for emotional timing based on player feedback.
“ Sometimes the most powerful thing in a game... is silence after a goodbye”
Conclusion
Ephemeral taught me how restraint can carry meaning. It didn’t need epic scale — just honesty, good timing, and characters who felt real.