Hlína

Overview:

In Hlína, a game set in a unique town entirely made of clay, you play as Ollie, who is trying to take care of his mum after she lost her job. The town's factory is demanding more work from its people, making life harder for Ollie and his mum. The game blends everyday life problems with spooky mysteries. As you explore, you uncover secrets and face challenges. The town, crafted from clay, gives the game a distinct and captivating look. You'll see how Ollie navigates real-life troubles while also encountering scary surprises hidden within the town.

Why It's Special:

• Made of Clay: Everything in the game, from houses to people, is made of clay. This makes it look different from other games with unique atmosphere.

• A Story About Real Life: The game tells a story about Ollie trying to help his mum and deal with life's hard bits.

• Explore: You'll get to look around the town, see places, explore, and interact.

• Spooky Feel: The game has a creepy side, with the scary parts of real life.

• Original Score: The music in Hlína is just as special as its visuals. With an original score that captures the mood of every moment, from quiet, tender scenes to the heart-pounding ones, the music will pull you deeper into the world of Hlína.

• Minigames: Variety of minigames that reflect Ollie's everyday.

Background Story

This game is strongly inspired by the life of our game designer. In his teenage years, while working in factories and searching for himself, he found nothing but deep depression, financial issues, and relationship problems in his family. Leaving his country to pursue a better life in the United Kingdom, he learned English and worked as a dishwasher in restaurants, sinking further into the oblivion of what he remembered as the joyful life from his childhood.

Seeking an escape, he turned to depressive video games, which made him even sadder, yet they offered a kind of relief. He realized that video games could change people's lives in a positive way. This revelation persuaded him to study game design without any prior education, starting from scratch at a college in Bristol, with hopes that his life would improve along the way. During his studies, he found inspiration in emerging technologies and spiritual life. This game represents a piece of his journey, serving as a reflection of his emotions and experiences during the most difficult time in his life.

photos by Milan Nechvátal