Spiral Atlas Games

This post goes into the approach I took when creating a queer, diverse visual novel adaptation of Jane Austen's 19th century novel Northanger Abbey, and how players responded. Partly because I think other people might find it interesting or useful, and partly to be able to link back to extra context when I discuss the game I'm currently developing, which is based on Pride and Prejudice.

These novels are set in early 19th century England, which was not a great time to be anything but a rich straight white healthy upper class Englishman. The plots directly explore and critique the gender and class attitudes of the upper classes, but at most obliquely touch on anything to do with ethnicity or disability and don't acknowledge queerness at all. Her characters are all straight, cis, and white, and the main characters all able-bodied and upper class.

Which was understandable for the time! But I'd like to do better, especially since I add same sex romances, so queerness is baked in. At the same time, I don't want to be too ahistorical, or change the text so much it becomes unrecognisable.

Northanger Abbey
Pride or Prejudice Demo
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I've been pondering the idea of a Pride and Prejudice visual novel for ages but this morning felt especially inspired, so here's my current thoughts. Feedback welcome!
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Continuing adventures in creating a gender-swapped version of Northanger Abbey! Here's my first post about it.

These ones were a bit more challenging, both artistically and philosophically.

On the left is the matriarchy version, on the right the original patriarchy version. From left to right: Eleanor Tilney, Evelyn Stratford (an original character), and Captain Tilney.


The challenge here is that Eleanor and Evelyn are trans, while Captain Tilney is wearing military dress.
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