Project: NOVA

Two hundred years ago, earth stopped spinning on its axis entirely. This plunged the planet into near-permanent freezing darkness. The human race was forced to flee to Mars, though not all were able to escape. A group of the world's most promising scientists was selected by the wealthiest 1% of earth's inhabitants. Only ten thousand of the earth's eight billion people survived.

Step into the shoes of a geologist as you study what caused the earth to stop spinning one fateful day. Things appear as expected; ruined buildings, desolation, and perpetual darkness define the earth. However, the dead planet appears to... glow? Bioluminescent fungal life has flourished.

Uncover the narrative at your own pace as you navigate a sandbox environment, collect notes, and delve deep underground. What will you find?

Credits:

Emanuel Blackwell Art Director

Ebru Bodur Producer

Anna Hainline Narrative Lead

Christian Keys Composer & Sound Designer

Kevin Lehker Level Designer

Zylan Moss Environment Designer

Violet Myers Environment Designer

(All roles also created concept art, generated 3D models, and contributed narrative elements)

Original Soundtrack:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwqcQE1E5BAdN5jbnVH6tFBm76jOR0nOx

About:

Project: NOVA was developed in spring 2025 by the students in RTD 489: Electronic Media Workshop, taught by Kevin Mercer, in the School of Media Arts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Learn more here: https://mediaarts.siu.edu/