We were looking to produce a dramatic future set game about civil liberties, and found our angle from a recent news article. The story drew attention to some recently introduced real life curfews implemented in some British city centres, and designed to effectively ban teenagers from loitering there after dark.

At this point we evolved the history of a world to turn into a filmed adventure game in which the freedoms of teenagers (and other ostracised members of society) had been fully eroded by the policies of a far right government.

From there we worked with acclaimed Marvel comic book author Kieron Gillen (X-Men, Phonogram) to create a near future vision of Britain where civil liberties have been so eroded to the extent that all ‘sub-citizens’ are forced inside at night.

Over four episodes, you experience the flashbacks of four characters who have sought shelter in a safehouse during the curfew: Lucas the boy, Aisha the immigrant, Leah the dissident and Saul the ex-cop.

By exploring the interactive 3D environments, conversing with characters, playing mini games and solving puzzles you progress through the game, the story shifting depending on your actions and leading towards one of a number of endings.

Filmed over a week in a green green studio and employing a range of digital techniques including 3D sets, dynamic composition and seamlessly integrated live action footage, The Curfew garnered substantial press attention and enjoyed promotion on Channel 4 and T4.

“Littleloud are ultra-special: fantastically creative and skilled in 2D and 3D, animation and games, but also daring and experimental. I love their work, and am especially proud of what they achieved with The Curfew, a truly ground-breaking game about politics and freedom. Not only all that, they’re a joy to work with, and always deliver on time!’

“Littleloud has built a convincing alternate reality made from interactive video footage, parodies of computer and console interfaces, and illustrated urban scenes realised with flair, that hope to inspire a teenage audience to question a number of provocative injustices.”

The Guardian

“The Curfew is a prime example of how to create a game that is both educational and engaging at the same time. Though its message is clear, it never feels like something’s being pushed on you… There’s an excellent world waiting to be discovered in The Curfew. It raises the bar for both educational and browser-based games.”

Ars Technica