Neo Tegoel Games’ Gloom and Doom: addressing depression and hope

What started with Drew Pan, founder of Neo Tegoel Games, telling us about his upcoming visual novel, soon evolved to us providing constructive advice on the mental health themes portrayed within!

The game is Gloom and Doom, a visual novel about a wraith trying to earn his way into heaven, and the girl he is assigned to kill. It is packed with edgy humour and references to 90’s pop culture.

Wynona looks out of a window. Her dialogue reads "I imagine what it would be like to not have to worry every moment of your life"

Pan discussed the themes the game addresses: “I came up with this story when I was in a dark place many years ago, and during the COVID-19 lockdowns… I thought if I could capture that, then the players feeling that emptiness would understand they’re not alone out there.

“I wanted to add hope into the mix as a distant light to strive towards… maybe I could help someone else understand that their situation is not 100% impossible to change.”

One of the main characters, Wynona, experiences suicidal thoughts. Pan understood the impact this might have on players. “I had an obligation to take the subject seriously and not just use the issue as a shocking plot point.”

Wynona speaking to Gloom, the wraith. She says "My life is like the same few depressing songs on repeat"

Working with Gaming the Mind helped Pan address finer points regarding the game’s presentation of depression and suicidality. “I ended up finding tons of well-intentioned and constructive advice,” he said. “The advice shared always came from a collaborative place, like ‘I see where you’re going with the storytelling but maybe you could consider…’ and I ended up with a game that is significantly improved for it.”

A review from The Xbox Hub noted: “…the story promotes ways in which to deal with depression or anxiety and helps shift the focus away from demonising such issues.”

Wynona in her room. Her dialogue reads: "Okay, remember what Dr. Robin said. Deep breathing."

Meanwhile Games with Toasty said: “Neo Tegoel Games made sure to take the issue of suicide seriously when it counts… They tackle things like grief, too, and show a maturity that… I was not expecting.”

Pan has been touched by player feedback: “There was a review on Tumblr from someone who was depressed and on medication since their teenage years, and they said this was a helpful game as they could relate to the Wynona character. They enjoyed the vibe, as it displayed hope without being too preachy.”

Gloom and Doom is available on Steam. Please note the game’s mature content description.