Premise
Nelly and Joe, childhood friends with a shared love for storytelling and video games, decide to pursue their dream of creating immersive video games. They enroll in an Unreal Engine masterclass, where they develop the skills to bring their creative visions to life.
Games They Create
- “Kraken”
- Theme: A thrilling action-adventure game set in the Age of Exploration.
- Plot: Players take on the role of Portuguese sailors exploring uncharted waters, only to encounter mythical sea creatures, including the legendary Kraken. The game blends historical navigation challenges with fantastical battles and moral dilemmas, such as choosing between greed and survival.
- Gameplay: Open-world exploration, naval combat, and puzzle-solving elements.
- “Alkars”
- Theme: A historical RPG inspired by Croatian heritage.
- Plot: Players assume the role of an Alkar, a knight of Sinj, tasked with defending their homeland against invaders while participating in the Sinjska Alka tournament. The game explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and cultural preservation.
- Gameplay: A mix of melee combat, tournament challenges, and a narrative-driven quest system.
Nelly and Joe’s Journey
- Initial Struggles: They face challenges, from mastering the Unreal Engine to securing funding for their indie studio.
- Breakthrough: “Kraken” becomes a cult hit, praised for its innovative mechanics and gripping story. This success allows them to dive into “Alkars,” a more personal project reflecting Joe’s Croatian heritage.
- Cultural Impact: “Alkars” not only entertains but also educates players about Croatian history and traditions, earning them recognition as cultural ambassadors in the gaming world.
Potential Expansion
- Collaborations: They collaborate with historians, marine biologists, and cultural experts to ensure authenticity in their games.
- Community Engagement: A loyal fanbase forms around their games, with modders and fan-artists contributing to the worlds they’ve created.
- Future Projects: Inspired by the success of their first two games, Nelly and Joe expand their portfolio, exploring other historical and mythological themes.
Keanu Reeves as Captain Domingos Saldanha
Role: The enigmatic and courageous captain of the Portuguese ship São Valentim.
Backstory:
Born to a family of modest means in Lisbon, Domingos Saldanha rose through the naval ranks thanks to his unyielding determination and keen intellect.
Haunted by the loss of his family during a storm at sea, he harbors a deep respect for the ocean and its mysteries.
His mission is to lead an expedition to uncover new trade routes, but he secretly seeks redemption and answers to his own past.
Character Traits
Leadership: Domingos commands loyalty through respect rather than fear. He is a father figure to his crew, balancing authority with compassion.
Philosophical: He often reflects on the nature of exploration, humanity’s greed, and the ocean as a living entity.
Action-Oriented: Despite his contemplative side, Domingos is a skilled swordsman and strategist, capable of holding his own in combat against pirates and mythical creatures.
Role in the Story
Opening Scene: The game begins with Domingos delivering a stirring speech to his crew before setting sail, emphasizing the dangers and wonders that await.
Key Choices: As the protagonist, players, through Domingos, must make pivotal decisions:
Should they confront the Kraken head-on or seek a way to coexist with the creature?
Should they prioritize their mission for glory or protect their crew at all costs?
Mythical Connection: Domingos uncovers a personal connection to the Kraken, perhaps through an ancient artifact or prophecy, adding emotional stakes to the conflict.
Emotional Arc: Throughout the journey, Domingos grapples with his guilt and fear of the unknown, ultimately emerging as a symbol of humanity’s resilience and humility.
Keanu’s Impact
Voice Acting: Keanu’s distinct voice would add gravitas to Domingos’ dialogue, particularly during moments of introspection or tension.
Motion Capture: His physicality and expressive acting style would make the character’s movements and combat scenes incredibly lifelike.
Cultural Representation: Keanu’s Portuguese heritage brings authenticity to the role, while his global appeal ensures the game resonates with a wide audience.