Mohamed Fawzy, Author at Rare Castle

Project Escher — Phase 3 Progress Update

Cinematics, Vehicle Driving System, Van Dialogue & Half Demo Milestone

As of December 13, 2025, Project Escher continues to move forward at a strong and steady pace. We’re excited to share that Phase 3 of our 6-phase Heavy Prototyping cycle is now complete — marking the third major milestone in development.

With this phase finished, the project has officially reached a key point:
we are now 50% of the way toward completing the demo / vertical slice.

Today’s newly released dev-log video showcases a significant leap forward in both gameplay and narrative, including:

New Cinematic Sequences
Story-driven moments that help establish tone, pacing, and emotional weight.
Vehicle Driving System
Core driving mechanics are now playable, forming a central part of the experience.
Van Dialogue System
Contextual dialogue taking place inside the van, blending story, character, and gameplay.
Expanded Story Chapter
A major portion of the narrative is now playable, bringing the demo closer to a complete, cohesive experience.

This milestone represents a shift from pure prototyping into a half-demo / half-story chapter, where systems, cinematics, and narrative begin to connect as a unified experience.

Story Direction – Second Half of the Chapters

With the first half of the demo now grounded in the physical world, the remaining half of each story chapter will shift the experience into a non-physical space — a world existing outside of conventional spacetime, off the grid.

This upcoming phase of development will focus on the protagonist’s inner journey through this abstract realm, where reality, memory, and perception begin to blur. Gameplay, cinematics, and narrative systems will evolve to reflect this transition, exploring psychological themes through atmosphere, symbolism, and unconventional storytelling rather than traditional physical interactions.

The next development phases will be dedicated to building and defining this world — shaping its rules, visual language, and emotional impact — as Project Escher moves closer to a complete and cohesive vertical slice.

With three phases complete and three remaining, Project Escher is steadily shaping into a polished vertical slice. Our goal remains clear:
to prepare Project Escher for submission to the Sony PlayStation.

Thank you for following the journey and supporting Rare Castle. More updates are coming soon as we push toward the next milestone.

Project Escher — New Reactive Dialogue, Inner Monologue, Vehicle Traffic, Interaction & Inventory Systems

Heavy Prototyping Development — Phase 2 Complete

Project Escher - dialogue mechanic - vehicle traffic - interaction - inventory Second 5 minutes

As of November 24, 2025, Project Escher continues to accelerate beyond expectations. Our Heavy Prototyping cycle is planned as six phases, each originally set to last two weeks. However, thanks to rapid progress and focused work, we’ve completed Phase 2 in just one week.

Today, we’re releasing the second milestone dev-log video, showcasing a collection of major systems and story elements now functioning inside the build:

Reactive Dialogue System – Characters now respond dynamically to each other based on context, timing, and narrative flow.
Inner Monologue Mechanic – The player gains real-time access to the protagonist’s thoughts, adding psychological depth and guiding exploration.
Vehicle Traffic Simulation – Living traffic behavior now populates the world, adding realism, atmosphere, and narrative grounding.
Interaction System – A flexible framework allowing objects, characters, and world elements to be examined, used, or activated.
Inventory System – Early implementation of item collection, management, and usage tied to the puzzles and story progression.

With this milestone complete, we’re now approaching the halfway mark of our six-phase prototyping sprint. Each milestone pushes the project closer to a polished, playable vertical slice.

Our ultimate goal remains clear:
prepare Project Escher for submission to the Sony PlayStation.

Thank you for following the journey, supporting Rare Castle, and being part of this ambitious chapter. Stay tuned — the next milestone is already in motion.

Project Escher — Introducing the Inner Monologue Mechanic

Heavy Prototyping in Full Motion

Project Escher - Inner Monologue Mechanic - First 5 Minutes

Starting this November, Project Escher officially enters its most intense development sprint yet: a structured Heavy Prototyping Cycle designed to shape the core playable identity of the game.

To keep the process focused and accountable, the team at Rare Castle has divided this cycle into six development phases, each lasting two weeks. Every phase functions as a milestone and ends with a public video update showcasing what we’ve accomplished.

These updates may reveal:

A newly implemented narrative mechanic
A fresh slice of gameplay
A story moment entering the build for the first time
A technical breakthrough that pushes the atmosphere and immersion further
Or any major milestone that helps solidify the vertical slice

Our first major feature in this cycle is the Inner Monologue Mechanic — a system that brings players directly into the protagonist’s mind, allowing thoughts, memories, and emotional cues to guide the narrative in subtle and psychological ways. This mechanic plays an essential role in Project Escher’s identity as a first-person healer / psychological thriller, deepening player connection and driving both story and exploration.

By the end of these six phases, our goal is clear:
deliver a polished, atmospheric, and story-rich vertical slice ready to present to the Sony PlayStation Hero Project.

As a solo indie studio growing its creative footprint, we’re excited to share every step of this journey. Thank you for being part of the road toward Off The Grid: Bad Dream — and stay tuned for the first milestone video soon.

Resources:

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/mena-hero-project
https://sonyinteractive.com/en/news/blog/mena-hero-project-vibrant-dynamic-unstoppable/
https://youtu.be/02ikyMQpYxM?si=guCRDf50ca9F2VsW

3D Modeler (Weapons Artist)

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

Rare Castle is an independent game studio driven by a bold, transformative vision: to create games that heal. we believe games can do more than entertain — they can mend the soul, cultivate calm, and inspire hope.

While horror games often thrill us with fear, we imagine something different: cinematic, story-driven experiences that guide players toward self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. Our games are crafted with the same meticulous artistry as the most gripping horror titles — but instead of nightmares, we create spaces for reflection, growth, and inner peace, all brought to life with stunning, photorealistic visuals.

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Design, model, and texture realistic and stylized weapons (firearms, melee, custom tools) that align with the tone of the game world.
Translate concept art, references, and verbal direction into high-quality game-ready models.
Create clean topology, efficient UVs, and high-to-low poly bakes suitable for real-time performance.
Develop PBR materials and textures using tools like Substance Painter, Designer, or Quixel.
Collaborate with animators and gameplay designers to ensure weapon assets are functional, ergonomic, and ready for in-game use.
Implement and test weapons inside Unreal Engine 5, ensuring proper scale, readability, and visual cohesion with the game world.
Work closely with the Game Director to align weapon aesthetics with emotional and narrative beats — every weapon should tell a story.

Requirements

Portfolio showcasing high-quality weapon modeling and texturing, with attention to detail and visual storytelling.
Proficiency in 3D modeling software (Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, etc.).
Experience creating high-to-low poly models and baking normal, AO, and curvature maps.
Strong grasp of PBR workflows and real-time asset optimization.
Familiarity with Unreal Engine (especially asset setup, materials, and lighting previews).
Understanding of weapon anatomy, real-world function, and how those elements translate to game design.

Nice to have

Experience modeling unique, non-traditional, or narrative-specific weapons.
Familiarity with rigging or preparing weapons for animation (e.g., reloading sequences, attachments).
Knowledge of first-person and third-person weapon presentation in Unreal.
Passion for psychological thriller or narrative-driven games where design matters emotionally.
Interest in environmental storytelling through weapon wear, modification, or design history

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

UI/UX Designer

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Design, prototype, and implement intuitive and atmospheric UI elements (HUD, menus, prompts, inventory, etc.) that match the game’s visual and emotional tone.
Work closely with game designers, artists, and developers to ensure seamless player experiences across gameplay, narrative, and interaction.
Translate abstract ideas like “calm,” “tension,” or “mystery” into layout, motion, typography, and feedback systems.
Develop wireframes, flowcharts, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate player journeys and screen transitions.
Collaborate on user testing and iteration, ensuring the UI serves both usability and storytelling.
Maintain consistency and accessibility across all interface elements, while leaving room for creative experimentation.

Requirements

Strong portfolio showcasing UI/UX work in games or interactive digital experiences.
Solid understanding of UX principles, user-centered design, and interface hierarchy.
Experience designing UI systems for game engines (Unreal Engine experience is a big plus).
Familiarity with tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or similar for prototyping and layout.
Understanding of motion design, transitions, and feedback that enhance player experience.
Appreciation for minimalism, mood-driven design, and subtle emotional cues.

Nice to have

Experience designing for gamepads/controllers as well as mouse/keyboard.
Experience implementing UI in Unreal Engine using UMG, Blueprints, or Slate.
Familiarity with psychological thriller, narrative-driven, or cinematic-style games.
Aesthetic sensitivity toward typography, iconography, and negative space.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Screenwriter

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Write emotionally grounded, cinematic dialogue, monologues, and interactive sequences that support player immersion and character development.
Collaborate closely with the Game Director, Narrative Designer, and Art team to align storytelling with gameplay, visuals, and world-building.
Develop character arcs, backstories, scene structures, and pacing in a way that complements both gameplay flow and thematic depth.
Translate abstract themes (grief, healing, memory, fear, beauty) into compelling narrative moments.
Iterate and refine scripts based on feedback from narrative, gameplay, and cinematic leads.
Contribute to environmental storytelling and help shape lore that deepens the world without heavy exposition.
Maintain continuity and emotional consistency across branching dialogue and narrative structures.

Requirements

Strong portfolio showcasing narrative writing for games, film, television, or interactive media.
Ability to write authentic, emotionally resonant characters and nuanced dialogue.
Experience collaborating in a cross-disciplinary creative environment (game dev, film, theatre, or similar).
Deep understanding of pacing, tension, subtext, and cinematic storytelling.
Passion for surreal, psychological, or emotionally layered stories.
Comfortable working with outlines, treatments, and feedback loops in an iterative, collaborative workflow.

Nice to have

Familiarity with Unreal Engine or writing for real-time cinematic pipelines.
Experience writing branching dialogue, game scripts, or interactive narratives.
Understanding of or interest in visual storytelling and how mood, lighting, and sound enhance script meaning.
Background in screenwriting, playwriting, or narrative design.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Game Producer

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Coordinate development efforts across departments — design, art, animation, sound, and engineering — to ensure alignment with the game vision and production goals.
Track and manage production schedules, task breakdowns, and milestone planning using tools like Trello, or any alternatives.
Facilitate clear communication between creative and technical teams; be the bridge that turns ideas into deliverables.
Identify production risks, remove roadblocks, and keep everyone on pace and focused.
Work closely with the Creative Director to preserve the narrative and emotional integrity of the game throughout the production process.
Encourage a sustainable, collaborative, and emotionally healthy workflow environment — especially in a remote, indie setting.
Support documentation, retrospectives, and production reports to track progress and iterate on processes.

Requirements

Previous experience producing or managing tasks on a video game (can be indie, student, mod, or personal project).
Strong organizational and communication skills — you can turn chaos into clarity.
Ability to lead with empathy, transparency, and flexibility, especially in a small and evolving team.
Familiarity with game development workflows, pipelines, and departments (Unreal Engine knowledge is a big plus).
Passion for narrative-driven, emotionally engaging games that challenge the norm.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable managing remote, asynchronous collaboration.

Nice to have

Experience in Agile/Scrum or similar methodologies.
A love for psychological thrillers, surreal experiences, or emotionally impactful storytelling.
Familiarity with tools like Asana, Perforce, or UE5 source control integration.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Concept Artist

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Create compelling 2D concept art for environments, characters, props, lighting, and key narrative scenes.
Translate narrative ideas and emotional beats into strong visual storytelling concepts.
Work closely with the director, level designer, and 3D artists to guide the look and feel of the world and its inhabitants.
Design cinematic keyframes, mood paintings, and visual explorations that inspire and inform.
Support iterative development through thumbnails, rough sketches, and polished concept illustrations.
Ensure visual consistency with the project’s tone — moody, mysterious, photoreal, and emotionally grounded.
Use reference photography, AI tools, or photobashing where appropriate to efficiently express ideas.

Requirements

Strong portfolio that demonstrates storytelling, mood, composition, and style versatility.
Proficiency in digital painting tools (e.g. Photoshop, Krita, Procreate).
Ability to develop ideas quickly from rough to refined while maintaining clarity of vision.
Understanding of lighting, perspective, anatomy, and cinematic visual language.
Passion for psychological narratives, atmospheric design, and cinematic worlds.

Nice to have

Experience working with Unreal Engine or understanding how concepts translate to 3D pipelines.
Familiarity with photoreal references, moodboards, or storytelling in indie games.
Knowledge of horror/thriller visual tropes used in a fresh or emotionally resonant way.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Character Artist

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Design and sculpt high-quality, emotionally expressive characters that fit Rare Castle’s cinematic and narrative tone.
Create detailed character models using ZBrush, including facial expressions, body forms, and fine details.
Simulate and refine realistic clothing using Marvelous Designer, emphasizing subtle movement and emotional believability.
Work with MetaHuman pipelines to ensure characters integrate seamlessly into Unreal Engine 5 environments.
Collaborate with the director and other artists to maintain consistency in visual tone, anatomy, clothing style, and emotional realism.
Optimize characters for real-time performance while maintaining fidelity in storytelling moments and cutscenes.
Participate in feedback sessions and iterate based on narrative, visual, and technical direction.

Requirements

Strong portfolio showcasing character modeling, sculpting, and texturing — especially human or humanoid forms.
Experience with ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, and character workflows for real-time engines.
An eye for anatomy, proportions, clothing behavior, and storytelling through facial and body detail.
Familiarity with integrating assets into Unreal Engine (UE5 preferred).
Passion for cinematic games, character-driven storytelling, and creating emotionally grounded work.

Nice to have

Experience with MetaHuman Creator or custom MetaHuman workflows.
Knowledge of grooming, skin shaders, or performance optimization.
Interest in psychological thrillers or narrative games that prioritize subtlety over spectacle.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now

Level Designer

Position Type: Volunteer

Location(s): Remote

Why Rare Castle?

At Rare Castle, we are redefining what games can be. Join us as we build immersive worlds that spark curiosity, soothe the spirit, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Responsibilities

Design, block out, and iterate on levels and gameplay spaces that support narrative, pacing, and player immersion.
Collaborate with game designers, artists, and the director to ensure levels align with story beats and emotional goals.
Build and refine gameplay flow, points of interest, and traversal using Unreal Engine tools.
Utilize lighting, composition, landmarks, and environmental storytelling to guide players naturally without intrusive UI.
Contribute ideas to elevate exploration, mystery, tension, and wonder — especially in quiet, introspective moments.
Playtest, gather feedback, and iterate on layouts to improve clarity, engagement, and emotional impact.
Work with performance and visual constraints in mind to ensure levels are both beautiful and optimized.

Requirements

A strong sense of spatial design, player psychology, and environmental storytelling.
Experience designing levels using Unreal Engine (ideally UE5) — even through personal, academic, or portfolio projects.
Ability to sketch or block out ideas quickly using basic geometry or modeling tools.
Strong communication and collaboration skills in a remote indie team environment.
Passion for narrative-driven games, psychological thrillers, and creative exploration.

Nice to have

Familiarity with lighting fundamentals and visual scripting (Blueprints).
Experience with modular design, landscape tools, or set dressing.
A personal interest in creating emotionally impactful, healing, or meaningful game experiences.

What We Offer

Creative Freedom: The chance to shape the visual storytelling of a unique, cinematic indie game and leave your artistic fingerprint on every scene.
A Collaborative Environment: Work directly with a passionate founder and a small, dedicated team that values experimentation, curiosity, and open dialogue.
Professional Growth: Build your portfolio with high-quality, real-time lighting work, and deepen your skills in a supportive, artist-driven setting.
Flexible, Remote Work: Contribute from anywhere in the world on a schedule that fits your life.
A Meaningful Mission: Be part of a studio redefining what games can be — creating experiences that heal, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Apply Now