Artist Biography
Caden Benedict is a multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer based in Freeport, Maine. He has always been influenced by the world of art. His mother being a television producer, his father an architect, and his brother a graphic designer, Caden has always been surrounded by creative people and experiences. Being exposed to the world of cinema his whole life, Caden fell in love with storytelling. This passion quickly grew into an interest in video games, as his older brother always needed a “Player 2”. As video games grew in popularity and technology advanced, so did the level of immersion, to the point where the player feels they are in control of a real life movie. Caden chose to create the concept of a video game for his capstone because he believes that video games are the ultimate form of media, that each individual gets to make their own stories and experiences. Caden’s goal as a designer is to always be thought-provoking, to have a message and a reason behind every visual choice, and to connect with viewers and audiences through creative expression.
Email: [email protected]
Thesis Abstract
Te’Tral is a concept of a video game that would be pitched to a video game development studio. The purpose is to connect with players mentally and emotionally to share a story that is derivative of historical and modern times, drawing inspiration from different cultures and religions around the globe. This story is about the suppression of ideas and creative expression. The destruction of knowledge and freedoms, and how these acts ensight a rebellion. How would this insurrection look? How would it begin? Who would be the key figures in this fictional world?
This game studies the intricate characteristics of a rebellion, and how unlikely heroes, all with their own individual flaws, learn to not only acknowledge and accept these flaws within themselves, but also learn the complications of their interactions among one another. The story follows how each character grows into a specific role that represents their movement, and how they learn to work together towards a common good.
The game explores themes of greed, suppression, manipulation, defiance, environmentalism, and hope.