Desta – The Memories Between follows the eponymous protagonist as they return home to sell the family home and confront challenging parts of their past. Designed by ustwo Games and released for iOS via Netflix, the game’s narrative takes place through a ball game, mixing genres including turn-based, narrative and sports, all set in everyday locations such as backyards, streets and gardens, and rendered in charming illustrative fashion.

Desta takes on complex issues including gender identity, mental health, and grief, which are explored as the player progresses through a series of ball games, dreamed up by the main character each night. The game continues ustwo’s focus on compelling and in-depth storytelling, which it has already explored via other titles including Monument Valley and Alba: A Wildlife Adventure.

Since its release, the studio has added more content to the game, and also expanded its arena of influence into the real world by partnering with organisation UK Youth to give grants to local youth organisations.

Credits:
Desta: The Memories Between
Category: Narrative & Storytelling
Entrant: ustwo games
Design Studio: ustwo games
Game Director: Dan Gray
Lead Designer: Joel Beardshaw