Original Concept

The original concept behind Tales of the Otherworld was to create several interactive, playable stories, separated into chapters. Each story is unique, based on several paranormal themed short stories I wrote but never published.

These are based on my own personal experiences, as well as my own findings as an independent researcher. Once upon a time, I used to investigate reports of ghost sightings, haunted houses, poltergeists, and other unexplained phenomena. I also used to test psychics and their abilities online as part of that ongoing research. (That’s also where I met my “life partner”.)

Development on the game officially began roughly three to four months ago, starting with the basic concepts and the stories upon which the chapters would be based. I decided that, rather than having completely separate stories, having an underlying plot tying the chapters together would be important so they’d make more sense as a whole.

Hence, the Academy of Parapsychology was born.

Incidentally, this game is unrelated to my game demo Otherworld: Through the Veil, which was created for the Smile Game Builder Halloween 2020 Game Jam. That said, it’s technically in the same universe as Tales of the Otherworld.

History of Parapsychology

The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) was founded in London, UK, in 1882. Its mission was to systematically organize scientists, philosophers, scholars, educators, and even politicians to investigate paranormal phenomena.

Areas of study encompassed a wide range of topics, including clairvoyance, telepathy, hypnotism, apparitions and hauntings, as well as the physical aspects of Spiritualism, such as table-tilting, materialization and the appearance of objects seemingly from thin air (apportation).

Inspired by the SPR’s pioneering work, similar societies throughout Europe and in the United States during the late 19th century. The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) opened in Boston in 1885 and relocated to New York City under the leadership of James H. Hyslop in 1905.

Academic interest in paranormal phenomena grew, with Stanford University (in 1911) and Duke University (in 1930) becoming the leading academic institutions of study of extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK) in a laboratory setting. The standardized laboratory protocols for testing ESP research were subsequently adopted globally.

Academy of Parapsychology

Building upon the foundational research conducted by both the SPR and ASPR, and inspired by their pioneering efforts, Montgomery Mooney, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Parapsychology, and his wife Philomena, co-founded the Academy of Parapsychology in 1996.

This institution was established with the aim of serving as a global center for the study of parapsychology, psychical research, and paranormal phenomena, welcoming students from around the world to delve deep into these intriguing fields.

The Mooneys’ vision for the Academy extends beyond traditional academic pursuits. They sought to create a space where individuals could explore their own psychic potential while maintaining a critical and scientific approach. Through a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application, the Academy endeavors to cultivate a new generation of parapsychologists.

The Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum blending academic study and practical experience. Students conduct research, attend conferences, and participate in field investigations. Its goal is to foster a community of scholars dedicated to advancing the understanding of consciousness and perception, and the realms of science beyond our reality.

Future Game Development

As the game progresses, the focus shifts to the Academy. You’ll delve into parapsychology, interact with fellow students, and embark on field studies (the basis for the chapters). Over time, you’ll develop your own areas of expertise within the field.

Your choices and actions throughout the game will shape your character’s journey. Will you become a renowned researcher, a skilled investigator, or perhaps a mentor to future generations of parapsychologists?

Ultimately, your goal is to uncover the truth about paranormal and supernatural phenomena, to push the boundaries of human knowledge, and to leave your mark on the field of parapsychology.