THE CHARACTERS of Queer’s Query consist of a wide variety of queer identities. One of my main goals for this project was to be able to create a cast that are all distinctly unique in terms of identity, body type, and personality. I believe representation in video games is a very important subject, being able to see yourself in a character you enjoy or look up to, especially in a fantastical setting, can be a great feeling, especially for queer youth.

EM BIGUOUS

QUEER’S QUERY: THE CASE OF THE CRYSTAL CLOSET is a queer-centric muder mystery video game concept. Created as a hypothetical creative narrative and digital safe-space, the main goal I had in mind while creating Queer’s Query was to make an story with characters, concepts, and queer topics and issues that a queer youth and general audience can relate to or feel seen in.

On a night out in the big city, life-long friends Em Biguous and Ace Arroe decide to visit their favorite bar, The Queen’s Castle, to see a drag show both hosted and ran by Dorothy Dee Elle, the biggest drag name in the city. However, things take a turn for the worse when a gunshot rings out throughout the bar. Queen Dorothy hits her last death drop as the bullet seems to pierce her heart, shattering her image.

Flashing lights fill the streets and even flashier outfits flood them moreso as everyone is evactauted from the bar. Strangely enough, as police investigate the crime seen, Dorothy’s body has mysteriously vanished, now locked within her prived vanity, The Crystal Closet, shut behind three locks, and the keys to which are missing as well. Until a culprit is identified for the murder of Dorothy Dee Elle, nobody is allowed to leave the area. As Queen Dorothy’s biggest fans, Em and Ace take it upon themselves to use their smarts and wits to investigate, interrogate, and ultimately solve the murder before bar close, lest the Queen’s Castle be shut down for good by morning.

The story of “The Case of the Crystal Closet” in one meant to cover the topic of closeted queerness, in both a metaphorical, and humorous literal sense. In order to find the truth of Dorothy’s murder, Em and Ace must poke and prod witnesses of the crime, A bartender, police officer, and straight man in order to drag the truth from out of the closet.

THE GAMEPLAY can be summarized between four aspects: Cutscenes, Conversation, and two varieties of Minigames unique to Em and Ace, being Introspection and Confrontation.

I wanted to create four strong visuals that not only depicted a feeling of a gameplay still, but also pieces that acted as strong illustrations individually, showcasing the characters in important story scenarios. The general idea is that these four stills would also be present on the back of a hypothecial game case, showcasing what players can expect when purchasing.

I believe I was able to find a good balance of creating believable gameplay pieces without compromising what makes an illustration of mine uniquely mine.

The big, burly, and bumbling officer, and lead detective on the case, with a not so subtle leather getup.