Harmonium: Crafting an Inclusive Musical Adventure

Developing Harmonium: The Musical was a labor of love for its creators, who were determined to craft an authentic and inclusive gaming experience. The game's journey from concept to reality was paved with challenges, but the team's unwavering commitment to representation and authenticity ultimately resulted in a unique and compelling narrative that resonates with players of all backgrounds.

Unlocking the Power of Inclusive Game Design

Embracing Deaf Culture and Experiences

The Odd Gentlemen, the studio behind Harmonium, recognized the importance of authentically representing the deaf community in their game. From the outset, they adopted a "ground-up approach" that integrated the perspectives and lived experiences of deaf individuals into the game's development. This included engaging with the Southern California Association for the Deaf and recruiting deaf developers and artists, such as Matt Daigle, a deaf artist, performer, and graphic designer.Daigle's involvement was crucial in shaping the character of Melody, a young deaf girl at the heart of Harmonium's story. Daigle's personal experiences growing up in a family of musicians and playing the clarinet despite his deafness allowed him to infuse Melody's character with a depth of authenticity. The team also sought out deaf and Filipino actresses to provide reference for Melody's cultural heritage, further enhancing the character's authenticity.

Challenging Preconceptions and Embracing "Deaf Gain"

The development team's commitment to authenticity extended beyond just representation. They also challenged common preconceptions about the deaf experience. For instance, the original script included a storyline about Melody's father not using sign language, a common scenario for deaf children and their hearing parents. However, the team's deaf playtesters rejected this narrative, explaining that they didn't want their children to grow up expecting to always struggle with their hearing loved ones.Instead, the team embraced the concept of "Deaf Gain," a philosophy that shifts the perspective on deaf people to focus on the unique abilities and perspectives they possess. This is exemplified in the opening moments of Harmonium, where Melody's deaf friend, Matt, communicates with her through a window – a skill that only deaf individuals can fully appreciate.

Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Cultural Representation

Harmonium's development also highlighted the challenges of accurately representing multiple marginalized identities. Beyond Melody's deafness, the team recognized the importance of accurately portraying her Filipino heritage. This led to additional rewrites of the script and the recruitment of Filipino actresses to provide reference for Melody's cultural experiences.Korba, the studio founder, explained that this cross-cultural approach required "laser focus" to ensure the authenticity of Melody's character. The team's dedication to this level of specificity, despite the additional time and resources required, ultimately resulted in a more nuanced and compelling portrayal of Melody's identity.

Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing the Unexpected

Developing Harmonium was not without its challenges. The team faced the daunting task of integrating sign language, Deaf culture, and cross-cultural representation into a cohesive and engaging gaming experience. The process required multiple rewrites of the script and the recruitment of a diverse team of collaborators, all while navigating the complexities of game development.However, the team's unwavering commitment to authenticity and inclusion paid off. Their partners at Xbox and Netflix recognized the value of their approach and encouraged the team to continue down their unique path, even though it diverged from traditional game development practices.As Daigle and Korba reflected on the journey, they acknowledged the significant financial and logistical hurdles they faced. Yet, they remained steadfast in their belief that the investment was worth it, as Harmonium represents a game that is "fun and engaging for everybody," not just a specific demographic.

Harmonium: A Beacon of Inclusive Game Design

Harmonium's development serves as a testament to the power of inclusive game design. By prioritizing the authentic representation of marginalized communities and challenging preconceptions, the team at The Odd Gentlemen have created a game that not only resonates with its target audience but also has the potential to captivate a wider audience.As the video game industry grapples with the challenges of layoffs, studio closures, and a focus on risk-averse, commercially-driven projects, Harmonium stands as a shining example of how diversity, inclusion, and empathetic execution can result in truly remarkable gaming experiences. The game's journey serves as an inspiration for developers and studios seeking to create more inclusive and representative narratives in the medium.Harmonium: The Musical is set to launch in early 2025 on Netflix and Xbox Game Pass, offering players a unique and immersive musical adventure that celebrates the richness of Deaf culture and the power of inclusive storytelling.