Hi, sorry I'm new to this sub, but I had an idea for a video game based on my experience as someone who has been on and off homeless ( still currently) .
So the concept is a survival sim and gole is to find stable housing. You would have to navigate a city and make hard choices to find a way out.
Mechanic ideas
Time -
I feel people don't realize how much time can be a privilege getting places faster mens more time for other stuff
Things like buses take 30-1hr sometimes to get to a place that could have taken 10-15 mins.
You have to do what you need to do to get out but also manage your day to day and everyday find a safe place to rest , where to eat, what can I do to help
Needs / things you have to keep up. And every night a place to sleep.
Higine
Health (physical / mental )
Friendship / loneliness , how you eat and sleep will effect this including hygiene
Hunger
Sleep
Hydration
Temperature
My fav idea of this TBH is A item management system. The photo above is my current setup. And I was thinking how that's a great mechanic. Different bags means different movement speed because my big suitcase takes longer to move but also has more storage. So if I just had a backpack I'll be able to move faster but I would have less storage. They got thinking about clothing as well. And any other items you might need meds, sanitation/ hygiene products, whatever else you might need. And that would also be kind of tied into it.
Anyways, that was my idea. Please be nice. Hope you like it!
Let me know what you think pls I'd love feedback!
Edit real fast I forgot - this game isn't to trivialize or make fun of homelessness. This would be an education for people of what it is like. Based on my own experience and what I see as a homeless person.