{"id":16,"date":"2026-05-04T13:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:52:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:52:51","slug":"experience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/?page_id=16","title":{"rendered":"Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"through Ash trailer\" width=\"950\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WNklYZR8uKM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Ash is a short,&nbsp;first-person&nbsp;tragedy game where you remotely control&nbsp;a logistics&nbsp;rover across a nuclear wasteland from inside a gradually degrading bunker. You can never step outside the bunker, instead you guide and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the last remaining rover through terminals and consoles. Every mistake, decision made that damages the&nbsp;rover&#8217;s&nbsp;health is tracked and slowly, as you progress, you realise that this \u201ccritical package\u201d is more personal than you originally thought.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Game Format<\/strong>: Video Game&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Intended Audience<\/strong>: 18+ (Distressing themes, references to death, content some players may find upsetting)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Genre of Game<\/strong>: Psychological Narrative Tragedy \/ Simulation&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e274584e0d4525b47a3c9974a2461dfa\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\"><strong>Core Concept<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The core idea behind Through Ash is to create a sense of distance and vulnerability by separating the player from the physical world they are navigating. Rather than directly controlling a character, the player operates through a machine, reinforcing themes of isolation, detachment, and limited control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The collapsing world is not explicitly explained but instead revealed through visual storytelling, environmental design, and subtle cues. This approach encourages interpretation, allowing the player to piece together meaning while maintaining a consistent sense of unease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The experience is intentionally short, focusing on intensity rather than duration, ensuring that every moment contributes to the overall emotional impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6297eaa363029a460bd38158e4a654a4\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\">Team Roles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Ash&nbsp;was developed collaboratively by a two-person team, blending technical design and artistic direction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worked closely with visual design to ensure the technical systems enhanced storytelling and atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6753ca86d03a66b1229ec2543892ef4b\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\">Creative Direction \/ 3D &amp; Technical Art \u2013 <strong>Hugo Mazariegos Martin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Led the visual identity of the game, creating all 3D assets, materials, and environment elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed custom shaders, lighting systems, and visual effects to establish atmosphere and guide player focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contributed to UI design for clarity and immersion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Directed and produced the cinematic trailer and ending cutscene, focusing on composition, lighting, and pacing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Collaborated on gameplay design to ensure visual design supported player experience and emotional tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c5a13151aa336cff242a5cd703bdd2a5\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\">Programming \/ Systems Design \u2013 <strong>Joseph Roberts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Implemented all core gameplay systems, including rover control logic, event triggers, and random timed systems to create tension and unpredictability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Developed the interaction framework between the bunker\u2019s consoles and the rover\u2019s responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Handled gameplay scripting, performance optimization, and systems integration within Unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e085d1278a4cd21adc44410cae7d5f14\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\"><strong>Development Goals<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A key goal of this project was to achieve a strong and consistent visual identity that supports the narrative and emotional tone of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>creating a cohesive environment through asset design and material consistency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating a variety of random timed events that would pull the player away from the main console, forcing them to navigate back and forth across the environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging exploration of the full environment rather than allowing the player to remain stationary at a single point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another objective was to balance visual quality with performance, ensuring the game remained stable and playable while maintaining a high level of visual detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8bb2f627162b7dbb5c438997813994b4\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\"><strong>Target Outcome<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The final outcome of Through Ash is a playable beta-level experience suitable for public showcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The game is designed to be presented in a short-session format, making it appropriate for exhibition environments such as pop-up arcade events, where players can engage with the full experience within a limited timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55b45ac5a703c95a7d5937d711ae27b1\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\"><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Ash focuses on delivering a concentrated and immersive experience through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a strong atmospheric visual style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environmental storytelling rather than direct exposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a unique perspective through remote rover control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carefully constructed lighting and visual composition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These elements work together to create a cohesive and emotionally driven experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10114c5671642308c5fc593e2071164b\" style=\"color:#00ff1e\"><strong>Tools &amp; Technologies<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The project was developed using industry-standard tools, supporting both artistic and technical workflows across the full production pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key tools included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unity for real-time development, visual implementation, and lighting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blender for creating 3D assets and environment elements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Substance Painter for material creation and texture development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adobe Photoshop for supporting visual assets and refinement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DaVinci Resolve for editing a pre-rendered cinematic cutscene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools supported a workflow that combined asset creation, technical implementation, and visual presentation. Real-time elements were developed and refined within the engine, while pre-rendered cinematic content was produced using external tools where appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default has-white-color has-header-footer-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-ba53ffc51b87da19dedffbf81b5063cc has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"social-cta\" style=\"margin-top:0px;padding-top:40px;padding-bottom:40px\">\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-white-color has-text-color has-max-48-font-size\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">PLAY GAME HERE!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b860b935bf37de7244f3ffde6fc83288\" style=\"color:#04ff00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hugo-maza.itch.io\/through-ash\"><strong>https:\/\/hugo-maza.itch.io\/through-ash<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-youtube  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Through_Ash\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M21.8,8.001c0,0-0.195-1.378-0.795-1.985c-0.76-0.797-1.613-0.801-2.004-0.847c-2.799-0.202-6.997-0.202-6.997-0.202 h-0.009c0,0-4.198,0-6.997,0.202C4.608,5.216,3.756,5.22,2.995,6.016C2.395,6.623,2.2,8.001,2.2,8.001S2,9.62,2,11.238v1.517 c0,1.618,0.2,3.237,0.2,3.237s0.195,1.378,0.795,1.985c0.761,0.797,1.76,0.771,2.205,0.855c1.6,0.153,6.8,0.201,6.8,0.201 s4.203-0.006,7.001-0.209c0.391-0.047,1.243-0.051,2.004-0.847c0.6-0.607,0.795-1.985,0.795-1.985s0.2-1.618,0.2-3.237v-1.517 C22,9.62,21.8,8.001,21.8,8.001z M9.935,14.594l-0.001-5.62l5.404,2.82L9.935,14.594z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-tiktok  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@through.ash?_r=1&#038;_t=ZN-965Fa5sCKj0\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M16.708 0.027c1.745-0.027 3.48-0.011 5.213-0.027 0.105 2.041 0.839 4.12 2.333 5.563 1.491 1.479 3.6 2.156 5.652 2.385v5.369c-1.923-0.063-3.855-0.463-5.6-1.291-0.76-0.344-1.468-0.787-2.161-1.24-0.009 3.896 0.016 7.787-0.025 11.667-0.104 1.864-0.719 3.719-1.803 5.255-1.744 2.557-4.771 4.224-7.88 4.276-1.907 0.109-3.812-0.411-5.437-1.369-2.693-1.588-4.588-4.495-4.864-7.615-0.032-0.667-0.043-1.333-0.016-1.984 0.24-2.537 1.495-4.964 3.443-6.615 2.208-1.923 5.301-2.839 8.197-2.297 0.027 1.975-0.052 3.948-0.052 5.923-1.323-0.428-2.869-0.308-4.025 0.495-0.844 0.547-1.485 1.385-1.819 2.333-0.276 0.676-0.197 1.427-0.181 2.145 0.317 2.188 2.421 4.027 4.667 3.828 1.489-0.016 2.916-0.88 3.692-2.145 0.251-0.443 0.532-0.896 0.547-1.417 0.131-2.385 0.079-4.76 0.095-7.145 0.011-5.375-0.016-10.735 0.025-16.093z\" \/><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">TikTok<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hugo-mazariegos-martin-100205305\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-tertiary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-tertiary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Through Ash is a short,&nbsp;first-person&nbsp;tragedy game where you remotely control&nbsp;a logistics&nbsp;rover across a nuclear wasteland from inside a gradually degrading bunker. You can never step outside the bunker, instead you guide and&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the last remaining rover through terminals and consoles. Every mistake, decision made that damages the&nbsp;rover&#8217;s&nbsp;health is tracked and slowly, as you progress, you realise &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/?page_id=16\" class=\"more-link\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Overview&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inspiro_hide_title":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78,"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16\/revisions\/78"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/through-ash.fun\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}