1,000 Heads Among the Trees (2015)

Step into the nocturnal atmosphere of a secluded Peruvian desert town, navigating quiet streets in search of spirits while capturing their presence through photography. Engage with the local community by sharing your images, which prompt spontaneous narratives from the residents, revealing their interpretations and personal stories tied to the captured scenes. This interactive experience draws from firsthand encounters with a traditional brujo, or sorcerer, in Cachiche, a desert suburb historically established by witches during the period of the Peruvian Inquisition. In this town, descendants of those original witches continue to maintain ancient practices of healing and divination.

Immersive Exploration

Explore a meticulously crafted 3D environment representing the Peruvian desert at night, complete with authentic ambient sounds, voices, and textures. The world feels alive as you navigate streets, alleys, and hidden corners, uncovering the subtle dynamics of daily life after dark. The environment is designed to immerse you in the quiet yet vibrant rhythm of a desert town that balances historical tradition with contemporary existence.

Photography as Interaction

Use photography not just as a tool for documentation, but as a method of communication with non-player characters. Your images act as conversation starters, revealing both the tangible and imagined aspects of the town as perceived by its inhabitants. The camera becomes a bridge between observer and community, allowing you to gain insights into their worldview while influencing the environment through the act of observation.

Stealth and Observation

Experience life from the perspective of an outsider. Move discreetly through alleys, listen in on private exchanges, and enter spaces normally off-limits. This perspective encourages careful observation, highlighting both visible and hidden tensions within the town. Witness the interplay of tourism and tradition, as well as underlying conflicts, while navigating a delicate balance between curiosity and respect for local customs.

Dynamic Environment and Narrative

Your actions, particularly through photography, have tangible effects on the environment. The game emphasizes the interplay between observer and observed, illustrating how capturing moments can influence the world around you. Progress through increasingly abstract tasks, delving into surreal quests and fragmented journal entries that document both the external and internal landscapes of your journey.

Sharing and Reflection

Export your photographs and share them, extending the experience beyond the immediate environment. Each image serves as both a record of exploration and a catalyst for reflection, prompting you and others to consider the intersection of reality, perception, and imagination. The game provides a unique combination of cultural immersion, personal discovery, and interactive storytelling that highlights the power of observation and narrative in shaping understanding.

Key Features

• Explore a fully realized 3D representation of a Peruvian desert town at night.
• Engage with local residents through photography, revealing both seen and imagined stories.
• Experience the town as an outsider, moving stealthily and observing hidden dynamics.
• Observe how your actions affect the environment and influence the narrative.
• Complete progressively abstract quests and journal entries that deepen the experience.
• Export and share your photographs to extend the interactive storytelling beyond the game world.