Sign language musical adventure game Harmonium The Musical announced for Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC, iOS, and Android
From developer The Odd Gentlemen.
Publisher Netflix and developer The Odd Gentlemen have announced sign language musical and adventure / narrative game Harmonium The Musical for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC, as well as iOS and Mobile via Netflix. It will also be available via Xbox Game Pass.
Here is an overview of the game, via The Odd Gentlemen:
About
Harmonium The Musical is an interactive sign language musical and adventure/narrative game that follows Melody Macato, an energetic 10-year-old Filipina-American musician who became Deaf at a young age. For her upcoming debut show, she wants to create a new type of music that can be felt, seen, and is accessible to her friends.
When Melody’s notes leap off the page, she is pulled into a musical and visual wonderland called Harmonium. To make it home in time for her big show, Melody has to face Cacophony, an all-consuming force who can only be defeated with a masterpiece symphony.
In a world where all music is visualized, players explore the wonders of Harmonium through innovative gameplay mechanics and narrative puzzles that incorporate American Sign Language and allow the player to communicate through body language, handshapes, and gestures.
This heart-warming story features universal themes for players of any age and background to enjoy. Players are taken on a fantastical journey where Melody discovers her own painted symphony, a song that lives inside of her heart and through her hands.
Key Features
- Unique Sign Language Game Mechanics – The game uses sign language and a variety of other non-verbal communication in its puzzles and narrative gameplay. Players will observe and take action in gameplay mechanics that utilize body language and handshapes classifiers to describe things visually. No prior sign language experience is required to play.
- An Accessible Experience – Accessibility design has been baked in from the start. The game features a visual language for music, animated subtitles for musical numbers, customizable captions/UI/controls, characters who fully communicate through ASL, a high-contrast gameplay mode, dubbed or subtitled mode, and more
- Interactive Musical Numbers – Inspired by animated musicals and Deaf theater, the game features interactive and musical numbers that are signed and sung, branching dialogues that affect lyrics and gameplay, and puzzles that invite the player to tinker with visual musical toys.
- A Narrative Experience for All Ages – Harmonium The Musical is a highly polished narrative, seamlessly told through gameplay. Melody’s story is touching, charming, and humorous with universal appeal. The game is designed to be an experience everyone can enjoy and share together.
Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.