Can you defend the acequias, or will the tradition die out with you?
The purpose in making Ditch Boss was to educate the player in one of the oldest documented traditions in New Mexico, the acequia. Acequias play an integral part in many New Mexican communities to this day, but not many people know what acequias are or their purpose. This age old irrigation system is feared to be dying out. Our goal is to raise awareness and interest in preserving acequias.
Project and Aims
Ditch Boss is an interactive game made with the engine Twine. Developers were determined to create a vivid story that allowed players to make choices, while also educating them on acequias. Our aims are to get players interested in New Mexican culture.
Technical Details
Ditch Boss is a game made in Twine, and is an interactive story. The game is hosted at (www.cs.unm.edu/~kageweiss/files/projects/Ditch_Boss/)
Progress ##
As a team of four, we are focusing on the Mayordomo’s perspective and the challenges he/she must face. We have the introduction laid out and are in the progress of tying in events that will lead the player to a possible of three alternative endings. We have also incorporated sound effects to give the game a bit more substance.
Next steps
We are in the process of revising and completing the events that are to occur in the game. We are also doing some research to create realistic and accurate events or conflicts that may arise when a Mayordomo is in charge of an acequia.
Why you should support this project
- To bring awareness of what acequias are and the important purpose they serve to some New Mexicans
- Many old traditions are dying out like the system of acequias; it is up to us to preserve them
- Less and less amount of people are farming or using more traditional forms of irrigation
- You get to make the decisions! And those decisions can affect the outcome
- There are different endings
Risks and challenges
- The progression of the story may be slow for some players
- The choices may not seem important
- Players may still have to do more research on acequias
- Some grammatical errors may hinder gameplay
The Team
Julie
Medical laboratory science major. Co-writer of “Ditch Boss”. Enjoys writing creative fiction and poetry. “What is sleep?”
Reuben
Computer Science major. Co-writer of “Ditch Boss”. Enjoys reading, eating, and sleeping.
Justin
Graduating senior majoring in both Criminology and Psychology. Co-writer of “Ditch Boss”. Legend says his blood consists mainly of caffeinated drinks.
Kage
Computer Science major. Effects, styles, and content programmer for “Ditch Boss”.
Other info
Ditch Boss Project at Github
Resources that Inspired this Game
