Beside Shifts

Beside Shifts is an interactive narrative that explores the impact of overwork through the perspective of a young doctor. Inspired by a real-life case in Japan, the project examines how everyday decisions—often small and routine—can accumulate into overwhelming psychological strain. Through branching choices and a “tiredness” system, the work reflects the invisible burden embedded within high-pressure professional environments. Audio, pacing, and visual transitions create an immersive experience, mirroring the gradual erosion of work-life boundaries. Rather than offering clear solutions, Beside Shifts invites players to reflect on the limits of personal agency within systemic structures, asking how much control one truly has when exhaustion becomes normalized.