The Drowning Machine by Fannon Valentine
In memory of Charlie Schulz
SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 800-273-8255
Donations will benefit a Trans Lifeline in Charlie’s honor
In February of 2019, my best friend Charlie took his own life.
In the months preceeding his death, the two of us had begun working on a game together, but due to unforseen circumstances the game had to be shelved. Through all of this, Charlie was insistent that “if anything bad ever happens to one of us, the other has to finish it.”
In his memory, I think it’s time to finish that game.
VI // IV // III // I // II // V
Movement VI: Eulogy
After what I’d seen, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to see you in that coffin. The makeup artist at the last funeral could barely cover the marks…
Eulogy was created in 3 hours, using the poem “Your Actions Will Have Consequences” written by Charlie, provided before his passing.
Movement IV: Wanderlust
During a period of grief, sometimes it’s better to fight your way the surface, trying desperately to breathe again. Sometimes, it’s safer just to sink beneath the waves.
Wanderlust contains excerpts from the poem “Break (It) Down” written by Charlie, provided before his passing.
Movement III: Freefall
I tore out my fingernails waiting to hear your voice again. I kept telling myself all the blood was what made me miss that call.
Freefall contains excerpts from the poem “Selfish” written by Charlie, provided before his passing.
Movement I: Reverie
You were long gone before I even knew to start looking. I watched as your spine began to snap.
Reverie contains excerpts from the poem “Severance” written by Charlie, provided before his passing.
COMING SOON
Featured on the Haunted PS1 Demo Disc 2021
Letters to the Wanderer
I want to share your story.
The Drowning Machine is not only a story of loss and grieving, but one to celebrate the lives of those who we’ve lost, as well as those who still wander. I want to create an expression of how much we as a community care for those we love, so please take the time to write a letter or even just a short note to Charlie if you knew him, or to a Wanderer of your own; someone you’ve lost, or even a letter to yourself.
I will be compiling these accounts (with your permission) to be displayed within the full release of The Drowning Machine.
Life is short, tell someone you love them today.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJN471-s7cWj7-UOkODDGBU67uY6KXDgK2tZFT…
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**Email for inquiries: rabbitrungamesinfo@gmail.com **
**Developer’s Note:**
I’ve attempted to start this project a number of times, under different names and perspectives, but the only way this feels right is to speak to my own experiences with grieving for him, while also presenting his vision to the best of my ability. **The Drowning Machine** is the culmination of this project, to be **released in multiple excerpts**.
More catharsis than game, these fragments are in no way perfect; with very little planning, these movements represent a stream of consciousness style interpretation of Charlie’s traumatic memories, as well as my own. Consistent updates will be made to all parts.