Keep your own physical journal over four weeks in storytelling game Field Guide to Memory
Picking up the pieces.
Piece together snatches of a research doctor’s life in Field Guide to Memory, an upcoming storytelling game that sees players creating their own journal over four real-world weeks.
Field Guide to Memory is a collaborative roleplaying game that has its players gradually filling in a journal about the life of their mentor - Dr Elizabeth Lee - and the relationship they had with her. The game takes place five years after the doctor went missing whilst studying out in the field, with the player/s being informed that she has been pronounced dead and begins receiving various scraps written by and to the supposedly deceased woman.
![Field Guide to Memory layout 2](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/field-guide-to-memory-layout-2.jpg?width=848&quality=80&format=jpg&auto=webp)
Taking place over four weeks, starting on February 8th 2021, players will receive a series of emails containing instructions for every weekday - prompting the player/s to write answers in the appropriate pages in their journal. These prompts will focus around Dr Lee’s life as a researcher of the natural world, as well as the player’s memories of her and their relationship with the doctor.
Throughout her storied life, Dr Lee studied the Pronghorned Desert Rat - a creature whose existence is yet to be confirmed - with the player/s needing to read through the doctor’s notes and reports on her findings, alongside various other documents such as postcards and letters.
![Field Guide to Memory layout](https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/field-guide-to-memory-layout.jpg?width=848&quality=80&format=jpg&auto=webp)
Field Guide to Memory was created by Jeeyon Shim, a designer who specialises in educating players on wildlife and the natural world. They were previously Artist in Residence at Heart of the Deernicorn - a studio and workshop that makes unique games - led outdoor roleplaying game conference Forest Play and are a certified Wilderness First Responder.
The illustrations and artwork for Field Guide to Memory were created by Shing Yin Khor, an award-winning cartoonist and artist who co-designed the game in collaboration with Shim.
The Kickstarter campaign for Field Guide to Memory is live until January 8th, with backers able to get a digital version of the game - along with all the email prompts - for a pledge of $25 (£19), set to start on February 8th 2021. Alternatively, backers can pledge $50 (£37) to also receive physical versions of the various documents included in the game.
Edit: This article has been updated to clarify that Shing Yin Khor is the co-designer of Field Guide to Memory, having contributed to the core design of the game.